Philz Coffee held a soft opening Monday with limited hours at 1803 Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton, the Valley Plaza Shopping Center site that was formerly home to Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The location’s regular hours from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. were set to begin Wednesday — its grand opening day.
“I am exceptionally excited to be here as we open the 79th Philz Coffee store and the first drive-thru in Northern California,” Philz chief operations officer Adam Stansberry told the Weekly. Pleasanton marks the chain’s second drive-thru location overall.
The former KFC, which closed in early 2023, had received Planning Commission approval for a drive-thru at the opening approximately 30 years before.
Pleasanton is also the second Philz Coffee store to open in the Tri-Valley after the City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon arrived four years ago.
Philz stores are located throughout California, with six locations in Chicago.
Founded in San Francisco in 2003, Philz Coffee is known for offering 11 custom blends from “Dark and Bold” to “Light and Bright.” The coffee beans, globally sourced and sustainably grown, are roasted in Oakland, according to a press release from the company announcing the new store’s opening.
Their coffee is handcrafted using the Philz signature pour-over method. Slow-steeped cold brew coffees are also available. At Philz, dairy means non-fat milk or cream — not half ‘n half. Dairy alternatives are almond milk and oat milk.
Contrary to some of its notable competitors like Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee, espresso drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos are not on the Philz menu.
In addition to limited time holiday drinks, Philz is known for Featured Creations such as Oatmeal Cookie Cold Brew, and non-alcoholic cold brews Iced Mint Mojito with mint garnish or Iced Coffee Rosé with rose water.
Customer Ashley Callery said she was pleased to see cars outside the Philz store on opening day. A Philz fan, Callery stopped by, eager to order her favorite drink, Philtered Soul Cold Brew.
“We live in Discovery Bay now, but some family members still live in Pleasanton. We are happy to get our Philz drinks here instead of City Center,” she said. Callery’s mother ordered a Tiramisu Limited Time Holiday drink with Philtered Soul Cold Brew, a tiramisu swirl, and topped with cocoa powder. Other holiday drinks include Winter Bliss which is described as a “creamy mocha.”
Philz also serves pastries, bagels, sandwiches and burritos. Newer food items include grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and pretzel croissants.
In addition to the drive-thru, the Pleasanton store has 35 seats, art murals by a California artist depicting Pleasanton scenes, and a back area with a round table.
Store manager Aerielle Ortiz has experience in other retail settings as the former manager of the Apple store at Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco. Describing herself as a coffee-lover, Ortiz lives in Danville and said she is pleased to work at Philz in the Tri-Valley and eager, along with her staff, to answer questions about coffee at Philz.
Continuing the soft opening, the Tuesday (Nov. 4) hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with regular hours beginning Wednesday (Nov. 5) from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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I came across this article after finishing a new article in the American Heart Association Journal regarding coffee.
“Two cups of coffee can kill you if you have severe hypertension, ie, 160 over 100, or higher.
Thank you for the comment. FYI, Philz also has decaf coffee called Luca’s Unplugged Decaf.
So excited that Philz Coffee opened in Pleasanton. I am going there this weekend.