The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which once operated more than 1,100 cafés worldwide, has spent the past decade shrinking its presence across the United States amid changing consumer habits, rising costs and the fallout from the Covid pandemic

A leading coffee chain that significantly reduced its presence following years of closures is planning a resurgence as it seeks to rival competitors, including Starbucks.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which previously ran over 1,100 cafés globally, has spent the last decade contracting its footprint throughout the United States amid shifting consumer preferences, escalating expenses and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

Despite the contraction, the firm is now forging ahead with strategies to expand the brand through fresh outlets, menu developments and customer reward programmes.

Established in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf developed into one of the planet’s biggest coffee and tea chains, establishing a footprint across the US, Asia and the Middle East.

Nevertheless, the business has consistently scaled back its domestic operations in recent years, reports the Express.

The chain withdrew from Manhattan in 2016 when all 12 of its New York branches shut down, while scores more shops vanished during and following the pandemic.

Currently, the firm runs 192 outlets across 12 US states, with the majority of surviving cafés based in California.

Yet while its conventional high street presence has diminished, the company is backing a distinct approach for future expansion.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf anticipates roughly 80% of its future sites will function in non-traditional environments such as airports, hospitals and university campuses. The firm has also introduced a redesigned loyalty scheme and broadened its retail range, including coffee capsules that work with Nespresso machines.

Most recently, it launched a new collection of premium espresso beverages under its “Perfect Americano” menu, while introducing a series of promotional deals designed to appeal to budget-minded customers.

The recovery push arrives as rivalry intensifies throughout the coffee industry, with chains competing for customers amid increasing living expenses and evolving consumer preferences.

Despite difficulties in the US market, parent firm Jollibee Food Corporation reported The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf achieved 10.7% year-on-year systemwide sales growth during the first quarter of 2026.

The brand is also continuing to grow internationally, with most new sites opening across Asia.

The difference underlines the chain’s shifting approach: fewer conventional cafés, but a fresh drive for expansion through new formats, new products and growth in key markets.

Following years of closures and market withdrawals, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is now gambling that its transformation can enable it to compete once more with coffee giants such as Starbucks.

Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton claimed on Friday he secured a “major victory” in a lawsuit from the state over an LGBTQ+ pool party — even though the suit has been dropped without any apparent changes on the ground.

Last Thursday, Texas sued the city of Denton, located outside of Dallas-Fort Worth, over the planned rental of its Civic Center Pool for a private “Big Gay Swim Day” event. Paxton’s office alleged that city officials hadn’t done enough to ensure event organizers complied with state law barring gender-neutral changing rooms.

By the following week, however, the city and state had agreed to dismiss the suit, with Denton saying it hadn’t made any changes because it was already following the law in regards to sex-segregated spaces. Paxton nonetheless framed this outcome as a significant win.

“This is a major victory for the privacy and safety of women and children,” Paxton said in a statement on Friday. “The City of Denton has now agreed to follow the law and ensure that men are not allowed in women’s and girl’s changing areas. I will continue to ensure that every government entity in Texas complies with our laws protecting women and children.”

The city of Denton, as well as the groups organizing the event, PRIDENTON and OUTreach Denton, said they were already complying with state bathroom rules before Paxton got involved.

“The City of Denton has consistently maintained compliance with state law regarding the upcoming private rental of the Civic Center Pool by PRIDENTON,” Denton’s interim director of marketing and communications, Kayla Herrod, wrote in a statement on Friday. “Because the conditions sought by the Texas Office of the Attorney General reflected measures the City had proactively implemented before the lawsuit, the Denton City Council agreed to terms that were already in place to secure the dismissal of the lawsuit and avoid the unnecessary use of taxpayer resources on continued legal action.”

An exhibit in the lawsuit, dated May 21, noted that city rental policy already required keep all existing bathroom signage in place, and Herrod said city officials also met with the event planners to “communicate Denton’s requirements prohibiting both the covering or alteration of existing signs and the creation of gender-neutral changing areas.”

The Independent has contacted Paxton’s office, PRIDENTON and OUTreach Denton for comment.

The groups previously condemned the suit, writing in a joint statement on Monday that it was a “frivolous” attack and “waste of taxpayers’ time and money.”

The groups said they were informed by city officials on May 21 that they were not permitted to have all-gender bathrooms as a result of Texas’s SB8 law. As a result, they struck any language about such facilities from posts and advertisements about the event, the groups said.

The organizers nonetheless argued the law is vague and “gives license to harass and surveil any person who does not present or conform within the narrow limitations of an oppressive gender binary.”

Denton‘s Big Gay Swim Day has taken place since 2022, and organizers wrote on social media that the party is “a beautiful event where invited community members can swim, dance, and exist without fear of judgement or harassment.”

Seven-year-old Lena, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall, was captured entertaining royal guests by playing with her unicorn umbrealla outside of Kemble’s All Saints Church following the private ceremony

Lena Tindall retained her title of most playful royal at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s royal wedding, as she joyfully played in the rain.

Harriet Sperling, a 45-year-old paediatric nurse specialist for the NHS, tied the knot with Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, in a stunning Emilia Wickstead bridal gown today.

Nearly all senior royals descended on the small village of Kemble, near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, for the private nuptials, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the King and Queen. Also there were Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. It is the first time they have been included in a large Royal Family gathering since the arrest of their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not attend.

Seven-year-old Lena, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall, was captured entertaining royal guests by playing with her unicorn umbrealla outside of Kemble’s All Saints Church following the private ceremony. Dressed in a floral white dress with pink shoes and a coloured ribbon in her hair, Lena was seen holding her umbrella above Mike’s head, the young royal erupted into a fit of laughter before pictures later showed Mike carrying the item instead.

Meanwhile, Lena’s older sister Mia, 12, watched on with a rather bemused facial expression. Clutching an umbrella to protect her from the rain, the glamorous young royal opted for a chic look that showcased her fashion taste.

Queen Elizabeth II’s great-granddaughter Mia showcased her sense of style in a sophisticated blue floral dress with a beige headband. However, the real star of the show were her glistening metallic heels.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “This was a much needed joyful day for the family, and a chance to show that they – or at least most of them – remain united in spite of all the damaging headlines of recent times.”

The disgraved ex-prince Andrew’s two daughters attended the wedding with the husbands after keeping a low public profile for months. Jennie Bond, the former BBC royal correspondent, told the Mirror this public outing by the sisters was “quite brave”.

Bond said: “I thought it was quite brave of Beatrice and Eugenie to show up… knowing that the cameras would be on them. They’ve had a lot of highly critical press lately and it can’t have been easy for them to face the media. But they did seem to keep quite a low profile, particularly as the bridal party left the church.

“I’m sure they were determined not to draw any of the limelight from the bride and groom, who looked incredibly happy and relaxed together.”

Follow our live blog for all the latest royal wedding updates by clicking here.

The ‘tiny community’ was crawling with emergency services amid a major response to a ‘suspicious’ package

Advertisement

Army bomb disposal units descended on a ‘peaceful’ Fallowfield neighbourhood as residents were evacuated from their homes on the residential close.

A large cordon was put in place surrounding Abram Close on Saturday evening (June 6) with emergency services responding to a ‘suspicious’ item.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were called to a ‘suspicious item in a front garden’ shortly after 6.05pm. They confirmed 20 surrounding properties had been advised to evacuate.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

One eye witness told the Manchester Evening News: “I was going to my sister’s and they were telling everyone to evacuate out of the streets. They would not let us through and they started to put a cordon up.

Advertisement

“Everybody was told to go back. They pushed everyone back. There are loads of fire crews and ambulances here.”

Another resident described how he saw the army bomb disposal unit send a robot into the property concerned.

He added: “I’m a bit nervous about what’s going on right now. This is quite a peaceful neighbourhood. This community is really tiny.”

Advertisement

Pictures from the scene showed the area swarming with emergency response vehicles and personnel, with CSI and specialist incident response units later arriving on the scene. Other images showed army bomb disposal experts working in the garden of a property.

Residents told the M.E.N they were allowed back into the homes at around 11pm. A cordon remains in place with emergency services still on the scene into the early hours of Sunday, June 7.

Despite numerous myths, including the widely believed “10% plus 2mph” rule, experts have clarified that there is no legal margin for exceeding speed limits.

Drivers can be fined for travelling just 1mph over the posted limit.

Recommended reads:
York drivers warned of delays as water works set to begin at six locations

Part-time actor’s early‑morning York paper round leads to unexpected success

They last played York in 1974 – now they’re making a long-awaited comeback

Experts from BigWantsYourCar.com said: “The idea that you’re safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear.

“Technically, you’re liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.”

Speeding can result in a £100 fine and points on your licence, with more severe offences leading to higher penalties or court action.

While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) does recommend a “10% plus 2” allowance for officer discretion, this is not part of UK law and can vary between enforcement areas.

Guidance from the RAC states: “The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine.

“It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not.

“The best advice is to not speed full stop.”

How do speed cameras work?

Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle’s speed and capture evidence of any offence.

While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles.

These digital systems record:

• Vehicle speed
• Time and location of the offence
• Vehicle registration
• Road speed limit

In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger.

Common speed camera myths

Here are some other common speed camera myths :

Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?

No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don’t often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right.

Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: “Legally, we don’t have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to – but it’s all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away.”

Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?

If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty”.

However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: “It doesn’t bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van – I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”

What happens if I am caught speeding?

It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK’s roads is a £100 fine.

But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course – an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: “An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.

“Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the ‘notices’ and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit.”

So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don’t have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.

Frustrated airline lounge members are increasingly seeing new grab-and-go lounge options at airports, designed for travelers who want a quick snack or drink – but with limited places to sit and no dedicated Wifi.

Once seen as a premium perk, airport lounges are facing growing criticism from travelers over overcrowding, as airlines tighten access by limiting guest passes, raising prices, and imposing stricter rules on entry times and length of stay, according to outlets like The New York Times and personal finance company NerdWallet.

Now, a number of airlines and credit card companies with travel perks, including United, Delta, American and American Express, are rolling out smaller premium outposts focused on convenience rather than comfort. These locations offer prepackaged food, drinks and quick service so travelers can grab items and head straight to their gates. Many lack traditional lounge amenities such as restrooms, ample seating and workspaces.

United was the first U.S. airline to launch this concept with its 2022 opening of United Club Fly at Denver International Airport. The idea came after the airline found that more than half of its loyalty members preferred taking food and drinks to go rather than staying inside a lounge, according to a news release at the time.

United expanded the concept in February 2025 with a second Club Fly location at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Rather than a traditional sit-down lounge, Club Fly is designed for speed, offering ready-to-go items like salads, fruit and vegetable cups, wraps, and sandwiches packaged for travelers on the move. Some items can also be heated on request.

The focus extends to drinks as well. Baristas make specialty coffee beverages such as matcha lattes, and a machine dispenses freshly squeezed orange juice. What you won’t find, however, is much space to sit and linger as the concept is built almost entirely around grab-and-go convenience.

American was another early adopter, opening Provisions by Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in August 2025. The mini-lounge features refrigerators stocked with ready-to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks. Travelers can also receive assistance with flight changes, but the space does not offer many traditional amenities like hot meals, alcohol or extensive seating.

Delta has taken a slightly different approach at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Rather than creating a separate space, the airline incorporated a grab-and-go section inside one of its Sky Club lounges. Travelers can pick up a prepackaged sandwich or salad, a snack, a nonalcoholic drink and a dessert before heading to their flight or entering the full lounge experience.

Air Canada has expanded its Air Canada Café concept to several airports, including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. These locations combine grab-and-go food and beverages with conveniences such as charging stations and high-speed Wi-Fi. Some locations even include full-service bars for travelers who have extra time before departure.

Meanwhile, American Express debuted Sidecar at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport in March. Located near American Express’ often-packed Centurion Lounge, Sidecar offers travelers a faster alternative without sacrificing the premium feel, combining quick service with an upscale, cocktail-bar atmosphere.

Travelers can order specialty cocktails and elevated menu items through a QR-code system while enjoying a smaller, more intimate setting. A second Sidecar location is planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2027.

The Moon-Mercury link today creates a strong sense of excess and overspilling. Avoid committing to too much.

Taurus, Gemini and Cancer, the cosmos gives you the courage to be entirely yourself. Whether that’s being a social butterfly or more reserved, honour your wishes.

Remember, anyone can have too much of a good thing. Share the love and keep things moving.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday June 7, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Quiet reflection is your friend today as energies are soft and welcoming. You’ll be open to deeper feelings within yourself or to others’ moods, or the atmospheres around you. Your world can be enriched when you take note of your dreams and what they’re trying to tell you. If a friend needs to talk about something, you’ll be the one they turn to for help and advice.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

The Moon-Mercury tie suggests that conversations flow easily, bringing a sense of warmth, familiarity and intimacy to your social world. The people you’re with will openly share and you’ll respond with kindness and care. A simple chat could pave the way for a romance or collaboration or strengthen an existing bond. You’ll have a telepathic ability that assists you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Trust those intuitive nudges if they tell you to invest in yourself, as it could be the first step towards a positive career move, or the chance of a promotion. You might even decide to start your own business based on a deep-seated feeling that this is the way forward for you. Subtle nuances play an important role in shaping your decisions. Get distracted and you’ll miss them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

You may feel a yearning to get away from it all or to escape to somewhere that allows you to slow down and reflect on recent events. This is the perfect time for a quick getaway and a chance to be with your own thoughts. Even if you stay at home, you can embrace new ideas and perspectives through reading or other media, that recharges you in a very positive way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Sensing truths about yourself or others that you can’t put into words? The Moon in Pisces connects with Mercury in Cancer making you very aware of undercurrents that normally run in the background. If you’ve wondered about a habit of yours, why friends behave as they do, or why a key situation has come to a head, subtle but powerful insights can open the way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Today’s line-up has an intuitive quality enabling you to read between the lines. It may be easier to understand others without having every detail explained. You’ll sense what is really going on with someone even if they don’t speak about it in words. You’ll also pick up on whether someone would make a good friend or romantic partner, which is vital information.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Get a sense that you should talk to someone about your work, ambitions, career opportunities or similar topics? Follow that feeling and have that chat, as it could lead you to the next step on your journey and the happiness and security you desire. You might also have a sixth sense about an idea, and it may be down to a revealing discussion. Act on it, don’t lose momentum

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Are you looking into ideas and opportunities that can expand your horizons? Today’s gentle yet profound line-up suggests taking a leap of faith that could open a door or give you a nudge in a new direction. Take any intuitive nudges seriously and research your options. Doing so could set you on a path that is emotionally fulfilling and deeply healing too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Conversations might be linked to family, shared emotions or matters that require trust. You may sense there is more going on than what is said, and this knowledge can be valuable. If you do have something intense to discuss, then it’s wise to approach it carefully and deal with any issues with kindness. An approach that is too blunt could set a key relationship back.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You’re usually very precise, but today greater empathy adds a new dimension to your conversations. If you listen carefully others may reveal more than expected, and your answer could resolve a relationship issue or even deepen a bond. The right words at the right time could have a profound effect. You’ll sense what others need to hear and be able to deliver it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Today’s Moon-Mercury link suggests you’ll notice where you overspend emotionally or nurture yourself too little in the practical sense. Creating a more thoughtful routine might help steady both your finances and wellbeing. Today’s lunar link can be perfect for negotiating a work contract that enhances your income but enables you to invest in wellbeing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You’ll speak, write and share whatever inspires you, and others may be deeply affected by your honesty and openness. A playful conversation or imaginative idea could lead to a project or collaboration that you’ll really enjoy, and you’ll make new friends in the process. It’s a good time to connect with like-minded people as it can lead to opportunities that uplift.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of June here.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

Advertisement

MORE: The one trait or habit secretly blocking your star sign from happiness

MORE: Daily horoscope June 6, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope June 5, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

Flaura Rose, run by June and her daughter Laura, has been a familiar sight at Durham Outdoor Market every Saturday, known for its bold, bohemian style and handmade pieces.

The family-run business, which offers reworked vintage denim, statement jewellery and unique accessories, has built up a loyal following among shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items.

In a post shared by Durham Market, traders paid tribute to the pair as they prepare to move on to the next chapter of their business journey.

A spokesperson said: “After eight wonderful years on Durham Outdoor Market, we’re saying a very sad goodbye to June and Laura from Flaura Rose.

“June has always been the ‘Mama’ of the market – the one who looks out for everyone, checks in when you’re having a bad day, and somehow knows what’s happening before anyone else does.

“And Laura? Simply one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet – kind, hardworking and always smiling.

“Together they’ve been such a huge part of the Durham Market family for the last eight years, and they will be genuinely missed by traders and customers alike.”

Flaura Rose, run by June and her daughter Laura, has been a familiar sight at Durham Outdoor Market every Saturday (Image: DURHAM MARKETS)

Over the years, the stall has become known for its colourful and creative fashion.

The business has since expanded into a shop in Ouseburn, Newcastle, which has “grown into something really special”.

The market spokesperson added: “While we’re incredibly sad to see them go, we’re also so excited to see where the next chapter takes them.

Flaura Rose, run by June and her daughter Laura, has been a familiar sight at Durham Outdoor Market every Saturday (Image: DURHAM MARKETS)

“Flaura Rose in Ouseburn has grown into something really special, and we know it will continue to flourish.

“The outdoor market won’t be quite the same without our Mama June and lovely Laura. We wish you both all the luck, happiness and success in the world.”

Since announcing the news, many longstanding customers on social media have sent messages of support.

One person said: “Sad to see you go, wishing you all the best.”

While another person said: “All the best to you both lovely ladies.

“You won’t get rid of us that quickly, we know where Flaura Rose is in Ouseburn.”

Tonight’s Lotto jackpot is a ‘Must Be Won’ draw, meaning the £12m prize will be paid out regardless of whether someone matches all the numbers.

If at least one player does match six numbers in a Must Be Won draw, they will win the jackpot just like in any standard draw. If no one manages to match six numbers, however, the jackpot prize money will be shared between all the other players who match two or more numbers, in what is known as a rolldown.

Police in Ohio are hunting for a suspect after a shooting near a festival in Toledo left multiple victims.

Officers responded around 5:40 p.m. local time to a report about a person shot near Toledo’s Old West End Festival, a two-day event featuring food markets and live music.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shooting victims,” the department wrote on X. “Many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.”

“The Toledo Police Department is actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved,” it added.

The police department did not immediately announce any deaths tied to the shooting.

A large police presence was spotted on Detroit Avenue near West Delaware Avenue, which has been closed to traffic.

Witnesses told local station WTOL they heard multiple shots and saw people running from the area.

Police are asking members of the public to avoid the area, and to report any information to Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.