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Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark: A San Francisco Icon

Discover the iconic Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark in San Francisco, a tribute to coffee innovation and the city's industrial heritage, located in the vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood.

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The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, a statue located at 2 Harrison Street in San Francisco's Rincon Hill, commemorates the Hills Bros. Coffee Company's legacy and its impact on the coffee industry. The statue, depicting a turbaned man tasting coffee, is a recreation of the company's original logo designed in 1906. Hills Bros. was the first to vacuum-pack coffee in sealed cans, revolutionizing coffee preservation and distribution. The statue stands as a reminder of San Francisco's rich industrial past and the company's contribution to coffee culture. While the surrounding area has transformed into a modern business and residential district, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark remains a beloved landmark, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant history and the enduring appeal of a good cup of coffee. The statue is a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark

  • 2 Harrison St, San Francisco, Rincon Hill, California, 94105, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best lighting to photograph the statue and the surrounding area.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Embarcadero and a stop at the nearby Ferry Building Marketplace.
  • Check out the Wharton School sign on the Embarcadero side of the building, a reminder of the building's current use.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    For the final approach via public transport, the closest BART stop is Embarcadero Station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. Exit the station and walk towards Market and Spear Street, turn right onto Spear Street, and continue for about half a mile until you reach Harrison Street. Turn left onto Harrison Street; the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark will be at the corner of Harrison and Spear. Alternatively, MUNI train lines stop at Embarcadero or Folsom St., and the 34 and 18 bus lines also serve the area. A single ride on MUNI costs $3.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    For those arriving by taxi or ride-sharing services, simply provide the address, 2 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94105, as your destination. From the Financial District, a taxi or ride-share will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that street parking in the area is limited. Paid parking is available beneath the Hills Brothers Plaza at 25 Folsom Street (enter on Folsom, between the Embarcadero and Spear Street). Alternatively, several parking garages are within a few blocks. Parking fees typically range from $15 to $35 per hour. For example, the 303 Second Street Garage, with an entrance on Harrison Street, charges between $6-$33 depending on the amount of time.

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Discover more about Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark

The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, found at 2 Harrison Street in San Francisco, is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of innovation, a nod to the city's industrial heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of a good cup of coffee. The statue itself is a representation of the Hills Bros. Coffee Company's original logo, a turbaned man in flowing robes, carefully tasting coffee. This image, designed by an artist named Briggs, first appeared in 1906 and quickly became synonymous with the brand. The statue serves as a three-dimensional embodiment of this iconic logo, bringing a piece of advertising history to life. However, the significance of the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. The Hills Bros. Coffee Company played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the coffee industry. In 1900, they pioneered the process of vacuum-packing coffee in sealed cans. This innovation dramatically extended the shelf life of coffee, allowing it to be shipped and stored for longer periods without losing its flavor and aroma. This breakthrough transformed the way coffee was distributed and consumed, paving the way for the national and international coffee market we know today. Before vacuum-packing, coffee was typically sold in bulk, often exposed to air and moisture, which quickly degraded its quality. Hills Bros.' vacuum-sealed cans preserved the coffee's freshness, ensuring that consumers could enjoy a consistently high-quality product. This innovation not only benefited consumers but also allowed Hills Bros. to expand its reach and become a household name. The location of the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, in the Rincon Hill neighborhood, adds another layer of historical context. Rincon Hill, once a residential area for the city's elite, transformed into an industrial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Hills Bros. factory, located near the Embarcadero, was a significant part of this industrial landscape. The aroma of roasting coffee beans permeated the air, becoming a defining characteristic of the neighborhood. Today, Rincon Hill has undergone another transformation, evolving into a modern business and residential district. High-rise condominiums and office buildings have replaced many of the old factories and warehouses. However, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark remains a tangible link to the neighborhood's past, a reminder of its industrial roots. Visiting the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the history of San Francisco and the evolution of the coffee industry. It's a chance to appreciate the ingenuity and innovation that shaped the city and the world of coffee. While you're there, take a stroll along the Embarcadero, visit the nearby Ferry Building Marketplace, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city. The statue is easily accessible and provides a great photo opportunity. It's a quick stop that offers a glimpse into San Francisco's past and a chance to appreciate a piece of advertising history. Whether you're a coffee aficionado, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique landmark to visit, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is well worth a visit. While the Hills Bros. Coffee Company no longer operates at this location, the trademark statue stands as a lasting tribute to their legacy. It's a reminder of the company's pioneering spirit and its contribution to making coffee a beloved beverage around the world. So, next time you're in San Francisco, take a moment to visit the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark and raise a cup to the city's rich history and the enduring appeal of a good cup of coffee. The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of San Francisco's innovative spirit and its contribution to the world of coffee. It's a reminder that even the simplest things, like a cup of coffee, can have a rich and fascinating history. So, take a moment to appreciate this iconic landmark and the story it tells. Considered a historical marker, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is listed in the Arts, Letters, Music and Industry & Commerce categories. The statue is mounted to the base in the courtyard of the large Romanesque building on the Embarcadero between Harrison and Folsom Streets. The statue is visible from the street and a lasting symbol of coffee quality.

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