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Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark: A San Francisco Icon

Discover a piece of San Francisco's rich industrial past at the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, a tribute to innovation and the enduring legacy of a coffee empire in the heart of Rincon Hill.

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The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, a statue located at 2 Harrison St in San Francisco's Rincon Hill, is a tribute to the city's rich industrial past and the legacy of the Hills Bros. Coffee Company. The statue, depicting a turbaned man tasting coffee, is a recreation of the company's original logo, designed to honor coffee's Ethiopian roots. The trademark first appeared on Hills Bros. vacuum-packed coffee cans in 1900, symbolizing quality and innovation. Today, the statue stands in Hills Bros. Plaza, offering a glimpse into San Francisco's history and a unique photo opportunity. The surrounding Rincon Hill neighborhood offers a blend of modern and historic architecture, making it a worthwhile destination for a stroll and exploration.

A brief summary to Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark

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

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs of the statue and the surrounding cityscape.
  • Take a stroll through Rincon Hill to appreciate the blend of historic and modern architecture, offering a glimpse into San Francisco's evolving urban landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Embarcadero to enjoy the waterfront views and explore the Ferry Building Marketplace.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    For those arriving via public transport, the Embarcadero BART station is approximately a 10-minute walk away. From the station, walk southeast on Market Street, turn right onto Spear Street, and then left onto Harrison Street. The statue is located at the Hills Bros. Plaza on the right. Alternatively, several MUNI bus lines serve the area, including the 8, 8AX, 8BX, 12, 30, 45, and 91, with stops near Harrison and 3rd Streets. A single MUNI fare is $3.00 for adults paying with cash, or $2.75 when using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. Transfers are included for 120 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service, simply provide the address 2 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94105 as your destination. A short ride from downtown or other nearby neighborhoods typically costs between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and distance.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited and expensive. 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 located within a few blocks, such as the 303 Second Street Garage, with hourly rates ranging from $6 to $33. Street parking is also available, but can be difficult to find and may have time restrictions. Check parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz for real-time availability and rates.

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Discover more about Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark

The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark stands as a monument to San Francisco's vibrant commercial history, specifically commemorating the Hills Bros. Coffee Company's significant contributions to the coffee industry. Located at 2 Harrison Street, in the Rincon Hill neighborhood, the statue is more than just a piece of art; it's a symbol of innovation and a reminder of the city's past as a hub for coffee production and trade. The statue itself is a representation of the company's original trademark, which featured a man in a turban and flowing robes, seemingly of Middle Eastern or Ethiopian descent, carefully tasting coffee. This imagery was chosen to honor the origins of coffee in Ethiopia and the Middle East, reflecting the company's respect for the beverage's rich heritage. The statue is a near-exact recreation of the advertising illustration originally designed by an artist known as Briggs. The Hills Bros. Coffee Company has a long and storied history in San Francisco, dating back to the late 19th century. Founded by Austin and Reuben Hills, the company began as a small coffee and spice business in the city's bustling market district. Over time, it grew into a major player in the coffee industry, pioneering new techniques for processing and packaging coffee. One of the company's most significant innovations was the development of vacuum-packed coffee in 1900, which revolutionized the way coffee was stored and transported, extending its shelf life and preserving its flavor. This innovation allowed Hills Bros. to expand its reach beyond San Francisco, becoming a national and international brand. The Hills Bros. building at 2 Harrison Street, a Romanesque Revival structure designed by architect George W. Kelham, became a landmark in its own right. For many years, the building housed the company's roasting operations, filling the surrounding area with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted coffee. The building stands as a testament to the company's success and its importance to the city's economy. Today, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark statue serves as a reminder of this rich history. While the company's roasting operations are no longer located at the Harrison Street site (the San Francisco headquarters closed in 1997), the statue remains as a public artwork, a symbol of the company's legacy and its connection to the city. The building itself now houses Wharton | San Francisco, a satellite campus of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as offices for Google LLC and the Mozilla Corporation, blending the city's past with its present as a center for innovation and technology. Visiting the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark offers a unique opportunity to connect with San Francisco's past. The statue is located in Hills Bros. Plaza, a public square adjacent to the historic Hills Bros. building. Visitors can admire the statue, take photographs, and reflect on the company's contributions to the coffee industry and the city's commercial development. The surrounding Rincon Hill neighborhood is also worth exploring, with its mix of historic buildings and modern high-rises, offering stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge. Rincon Hill itself is a neighborhood with a fascinating history. Once home to wealthy residents and grand mansions, it has undergone significant changes over the years, transforming into a modern urban hub with high-rise condominiums and apartments. However, it still retains echoes of its past, with some historic buildings remaining as reminders of its earlier days. A stroll through the neighborhood offers a glimpse into San Francisco's evolution and the interplay between its past and present. For those interested in learning more about the Hills Bros. Coffee Company, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History holds a collection of the company's records, providing valuable insights into its history, business practices, and advertising campaigns. These records offer a comprehensive look at the company's operations and its impact on the coffee industry. The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of San Francisco's entrepreneurial spirit, its connection to the global coffee trade, and its ability to adapt and evolve over time. A visit to this landmark offers a chance to reflect on the city's rich history and its enduring appeal as a center for innovation and commerce. While in Rincon Hill, visitors can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the Embarcadero, with its bustling waterfront, the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace, and Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The neighborhood also offers a variety of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city's culinary scene. The Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark stands as a testament to the power of innovation, the importance of honoring tradition, and the enduring appeal of a good cup of coffee. It's a must-see destination for anyone interested in San Francisco's history, its commercial development, and its vibrant cultural landscape. The statue serves as a reminder that even in a city known for its constant change and innovation, the echoes of the past can still be found, offering valuable insights into the city's identity and its enduring appeal. Whether you're a coffee lover, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a unique photo opportunity, the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark is a destination that should not be missed. It's a chance to connect with San Francisco's past, appreciate its present, and reflect on its future as a global center for innovation and culture.

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