Blue Bottle Coffee's Tokyo Invasion Becomes Official This Friday

After announcing the completion of its 7,000-square-foot roasting facility in Tokyo, Blue Bottle has set an opening date for its new outpost in the Japanese capital. Inside Scoop reports that the SF coffee mavens are set to open their first overseas location in the Kiyosumi neighborhood this Friday, February 6. Founder and CEO James Freeman is currently in Japan preparing for the opening and hosting a televised press conference for local journalists. He told reporters that he was inspired by many visits to the country, where he was impressed by their "historic coffee bars" and Japan's high level of hospitality.

Kiyosumi: Where practice makes perfect. pic.twitter.com/p0Jp5MkrtR

— Blue Bottle Coffee (@bluebottleroast) February 4, 2015

Freeman plans to continue expanding in Japan with a second location slated to open on March 7 in the Aoyama neighborhood. Both stores will sell the same products and baked goods as its U.S. counterparts. Freeman showed his excitement for the grand opening, telling reporters: "It's such a dream. I'm walking down the street, I'm going to work, I'm going to roast coffee, and it's in Tokyo." He goes on to add, "the Japanese are the most discerning retail customers in the world. If we can make them happy, then think of what we can bring back to our cafes in San Francisco, LA, and New York."