Document text
By John Darling For the Tidings February 04. 2016 8:32PM Human Bean will be reborn Human Bean co-owner Dan Hawkins stands Thursday in the re-worked foundation at the chain's Ashland location, currently undergoing remodeling. Daily Tidings/Bert Etling Ashland’s Human Bean coffee drive-up will get an entirely new modular home at mid-month, with more space for faster service. The old drive-up was demolished about a week ago. The home-grown chain, started in Ashland 18 years ago, has thrived to a total of 60 drive-ups in eight states, says co-owner Dan Hawkins. It is installing the modern modular units with new branding at Ashland on Highway 99 near Valley View, along with two others in Medford. “It will increase space by 260 feet and allow it to hold more product and more workers inside to get people served faster,” says Hawkins, from his Medford headquarters. The modular unit is brought in a flatbed truck, placed on the old spot, then gets wires, plumbing and new cement around it. It’s estimated to open no later than Feb. 19. Hawkins is the owner with his wife, Rhonda, and partners Tom and Tami Casey, all Rogue Valley natives. They have nine locations in the valley, all company owned and operated. Forty-six units are franchised. Twelve new drive-ups open this year. “We’re very busy. We love what we’re doing and it’s the communities that help us get where we are,” he says. Human Bean each month has a day with benefits for breast cancer, Earth Day, reusable bags or other good causes, he says. “We want to get faster, more efficient service, more room, more baristas and we bring in new menu items constantly,” says Hawkins. “Our philosophy is to keep giving back to the community.” John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. http://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160204/NEWS/160209913 © 2016 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->