Joyful milestone in the Maldives. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CBTL), the Jollibee Group’s flagship brand for coffee and tea, opened its first-ever store in the Maldives last September 15, 2025.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL), the flagship coffee and tea brand of the Jollibee Group, has opened its first-ever café in Hulhumalé, Maldives — marking a significant milestone in its expanding global network that now spans more than 1,200 stores across 20 countries.
A beachfront destination for locals and travelers
Nestled along the scenic shoreline of Hulhumalé’s Central Park, the new café can accommodate up to 35 guests and serves CBTL’s signature Ice Blended® drinks, handcrafted coffees, premium teas, and freshly prepared dishes. With its open, relaxing ambiance, the store aims to be a go-to destination for both Maldivians and visiting travelers looking for a world-class café experience by the sea.
Operated by Waterscape Investments Pvt. Ltd., CBTL’s trusted local franchise partner, the store combines modern design with the brand’s signature warmth and commitment to quality.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf created the Original Ice Blended® drink in 1987 at its Westwood, California store—blending coffee, signature powders, and milk with ice, topped with whipped cream.
Building global connections through coffee and tea
“We’re thrilled to bring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® experience to the Maldives in partnership with Waterscape Investments, whose understanding of the local market and passion for excellence align perfectly with our values,” said Pepot Miñana, CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. “This opening represents not just a new store, but a new community where people can come together over our handcrafted beverages — each one made with care and flavor perfected over decades.”
Miñana added, “The Maldives is a world-renowned destination, and we’re proud to add it to our growing global map. This launch is part of CBTL’s broader vision to become one of the top specialty coffee and tea chains in the world.”
Craftsmanship from bean to brew
For over 60 years, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has built its reputation on sourcing and roasting the finest ingredients. The brand selects only the top 1% of Arabica coffee beans from the best growing regions across the globe, roasting them in small batches to highlight their unique flavor profiles and aromas.
The same meticulous attention extends to its tea selection — handpicked from family-owned estates in Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, and Japan, and blended by artisans to ensure freshness and character in every cup.
This dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and ethical sourcing defines CBTL’s promise: a consistently premium experience wherever in the world a guest may be.
A cozy beachfront café where locals and tourists alike can unwind with CBTL favorites—from the Original Ice Blended drink to specialty coffees, premium teas, and freshly made meals.
Strengthening Jollibee Group’s global footprint
With the opening of its first store in the Maldives, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® further strengthens the Jollibee Group’s international portfolio and underscores its commitment to expanding in key global markets. Beyond introducing its beverages, the brand continues to bring people together — one cup, one conversation, and one community at a time.
