Peet's opens on Michigan Ave., plans 16 stores here

Peet’s Coffee & Tea plans to open 16 stores in the Chicago area by the end of year, making this area one of the company’s biggest markets outside California.

The phased rollout got underway with the opening Tuesday of a flagship store at 20 N. Michigan Ave. The new store design includes photos of celebrities such as Harry Carey, Al Capone and Michael Jordan drinking coffee.

“Chicago is one of the most distinguished culinary towns in the U.S.,” Dave Burwick, president and CEO of Peet’s Coffee & Tea, said in a news release. “With today’s opening of our Michigan Avenue flagship, we’re unveiling a new, contemporary store experience that not only highlights the art and passion of our coffee making, but also connects to the history and spirit of Chicago.”

In conjunction with the store opening, Peet’s Mobile Barista truck will be making the rounds this month starting with Wrigley Field on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The specialty coffee and tea company was founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California. The expansion effort that includes Chicago will give the chain about 300 stores nationwide.