Blank Street Coffee
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coffeehouse chain |
| Founded | May 2020 |
| Founder | Issam Freiha, Vinay Menda |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York City , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom |
Key people | Issam Freiha, Vinay Menda, Jai Lott, Laura Simpson |
| Products | Coffee and matcha beverages |
Blank Street is a United States-based coffeehouse chain that originated in 2020 in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. By July 2025, the enterprise reached an estimated valuation near $500 million and manages 90 outlets located in New York City, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Boston, and Washington, D.C..
The brand is distinguished for its unique flavored versions of matcha and espresso beverages.
History
Founded in May 2020, Blank Street officially opened its first site in August 2020 close to Wythe Diner in Brooklyn. The founders, Issam Freiha and Vinay Menda, initially operated a battery-powered mobile coffee cart, collaborating with EV Foods along with industry professionals Jai Lott and Laura Simpson. Menda hails from the UAE while Freiha is Lebanese; both relocated to New York to pursue studies at New York University and Columbia University, respectively.
Their concept was influenced by compact, mobile-centric food retail models prevalent in Asia, exemplified by brands like Hey Tea in China and Kopi Kenangan in Indonesia. The company launched its first permanent store on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg in February 2021.
In October 2021, Blank Street raised $25 million through a Series A round of venture capital financing. By the following year, it operated 40 locations throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, supported by investors such as General Catalyst and Tiger Global.
The brand entered the UK market in March 2022 with a shop in London's Fitzrovia area. Subsequently, it expanded to Boston's Beacon Hill in August and Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle by October. In early 2025, the coffeehouse chain further extended its presence into Scotland with new venues in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Identity
Blank Street positions itself as a competitor to Starbucks within the US and London markets, while challenging Dunkin' Donuts specifically in Boston.
Its rapid expansion has been fueled by collaborations with well-known social media influencers, including enterprises affiliated with celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Emma Chamberlain.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a significant factor behind its success is the popularity of matcha drinks, which represent roughly half of total sales. The brand predominantly appeals to younger consumers and features beverages that often contain high sugar levels—up to 25 grams per serving—matching the daily maximum advised for women by the American Heart Association.