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Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark: A San Francisco Icon

Discover the iconic Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark in San Francisco's Rincon Hill, a lasting symbol of coffee quality and the city's rich industrial heritage, accessible 24/7.

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The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, a bronze statue located at 2 Harrison Street in San Francisco's Rincon Hill neighborhood, commemorates the iconic logo of the Hills Bros. Coffee company. Created by sculptor Spero Anargyros, the statue depicts a turbaned man, known as the 'Taster,' a figure that has symbolized the brand's commitment to quality since 1900. The statue stands in Hills Bros. Plaza, near the original Hills Bros. Coffee factory, now occupied by offices and the Wharton School of Business. While the factory is no longer operational, the statue serves as a reminder of San Francisco's rich industrial past and the significance of Hills Bros. Coffee in American culture. The statue is accessible 24 hours a day and offers a glimpse into the city's history.

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 appreciate the details of the sculpture.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Embarcadero to enjoy the waterfront views and explore other nearby attractions.
  • Check out the nearby Ferry Building Marketplace for a taste of local artisanal foods and coffee.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Embarcadero BART station, walk south on Spear Street for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Harrison Street. The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark will be on your right in Hills Bros. Plaza. A single ride on Muni costs $2.75, or purchase a day pass for $5.50 for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and streetcars.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Embarcadero area, a taxi or ride-share to 2 Harrison St will cost approximately $9-$15, depending on traffic and demand. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes. Note that prices may be higher during peak hours.

  • Driving

    If driving, paid parking is available beneath the Hills Brothers Plaza at 25 Folsom Street, with the entrance on Folsom between the Embarcadero and Spear Street. Hourly rates typically range from $6-$33, with daily maximums around $33. Alternatively, look for street parking in the surrounding area, but be aware that it is limited and metered.

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Discover more about Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark

The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark stands as a testament to San Francisco's vibrant history and the enduring legacy of one of America's most recognizable coffee brands. Located at 2 Harrison Street in the Rincon Hill neighborhood, the statue is more than just a monument; it's a symbol of innovation, quality, and the city's pioneering spirit. The story of Hills Bros. Coffee began in 1878 when brothers Austin and Reuben Hills established a retail stall in Bay City Market. By 1882, they had expanded to a full-fledged retail store called Arabian Coffee and Spice Mills on Harrison Street. The company quickly gained prominence, and in 1900, R.W. Hills revolutionized the coffee industry by developing the vacuum-packing process, which preserved the freshness of coffee beans for longer periods. This innovation allowed Hills Bros. to expand its reach across the nation and beyond. In 1906, a young artist named Briggs created the company's trademark: a turbaned man known as the 'coffee taster'. This figure, inspired by coffee's Ethiopian origins, became synonymous with the Hills Bros. brand. The trademark appeared on the first vacuum-packed coffee can and has remained a symbol of coffee quality ever since. In 1926, Hills Bros. moved its operations to 2 Harrison Street, a Romanesque Revival building designed by George W. Kelham. This building, now a San Francisco Landmark, served as the company's headquarters and roasting plant for many years. The tower on top of the building helped with the coffee bean blending process. During World War II, Hills Bros. adapted to wartime restrictions by replacing metal cans with glass jars. To commemorate the iconic trademark, a life-size bronze statue of the 'coffee taster' was placed in the courtyard of Hills Bros. Plaza in 1992. Created by sculptor Spero Anargyros, the statue is a near-exact recreation of the original advertising illustration. The statue stands as a tribute to the company's history and its contribution to the coffee industry. While the Hills Bros. Coffee Company has changed ownership several times since its founding, the trademark and the statue remain a beloved part of San Francisco's cultural landscape. The building at 2 Harrison Street is now home to offices, including the Wharton School of Business's San Francisco campus, Google, and Mozilla Corporation. However, the legacy of Hills Bros. Coffee lives on through the statue and the memories of generations of coffee drinkers. Visiting the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark offers a unique opportunity to connect with San Francisco's past and appreciate the enduring power of a well-crafted brand. The statue is accessible 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to admire the artistry and reflect on the history of Hills Bros. Coffee. While there are no formal tours or admission fees, the statue provides a glimpse into the city's industrial heritage and the importance of coffee in American culture. The Rincon Hill neighborhood, where the statue is located, is a vibrant area with a mix of residential and commercial buildings. The neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation and offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Visitors can explore the nearby Embarcadero, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of San Francisco's entrepreneurial spirit, its commitment to innovation, and its enduring love of coffee. Whether you're a coffee aficionado, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique photo opportunity, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is a must-see destination in San Francisco.

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