The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand, Los Angeles, announced that it will expand its presence into Central California through its new franchisee, Golden State Coffee & Tea Inc. This news comes on the heels of the company’s recent expansion and return to New York City with the announcement to open up 100 locations during the next several years.

Golden State Coffee & Tea Inc. will open 20 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores throughout the following six Central California counties: Kern, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Kings, Monterey and Fresno. The area boasts a long coastline and parts of the central valley and presents an untapped growth opportunity for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand, the company says.

“The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand provides an inviting and enriching coffee and tea experience,” said Simranjit Sandhu, partner of Golden State Coffee & Tea Inc., in a statement. “We want to bring that experience and high-quality product to coffee and tea lovers in Central California. We’re thrilled to become part of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf family.”

To date, the Los Angeles-based chain has 312 stores across 14 states, and more than 1,200 locations across 30 countries worldwide.

“The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf carefully and personally selects new opportunities that will strengthen our customers’ deep-rooted loyalty that exists across the globe,” said John Fuller, chief executive officer, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “We know our partner Golden State Coffee & Tea Inc. will introduce The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s high-quality coffee and tea to Central California and provide new guests with the brand experience they expect.”

As a part of the development agreement, Golden State Coffee & Tea Inc. acquired the corporate-owned The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store located at 354 5 Cities Drive in Pismo Beach, Calif. BI