Coffee chains unveil holiday promotionsCoffee chains unveil holiday promotions

Lisa Jennings

LOS ANGELES With the holidays just around the corner, several coffeehouse chains are brewing up special promotions intended to warm both hearts and sales.

The 740-unit Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf chain, based in Los Angeles, is kicking off the holiday season Thursday with free drinks.

Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., participating Coffee Bean locations in California, Arizona and Texas will offer guests a complimentary 12-ounce holiday beverage, including their new Peppermint Latte, Pumpkin Latte or Winter Dream tea — all of which are also available in Ice Blended versions. Typically the lattes are priced at a recommended $3.65 to $4 and Ice Blended versions are $3.95.

Also for the holiday season, Coffee Bean is bringing its version of a Belgian waffle to the menu for $1.95. It can be topped with chocolate hazelnut spread for an additional 50 cents.

The 550-unit Seattle’s Best Coffee chain, based in Seattle, is also introducing a new holiday drink this week: the Sugar & Spice Latte, with brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, and a dash of nutmeg and lemon.

In addition, the chain is bringing back as limited-time offers the seasonal Peppermint Mocha Trio; Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte. The holiday lattes are all priced at a recommended $3.65 for a 12-ounce drink.

Also new is the OvenSong Chocolate Peppermint Loaf Cake, which sells for a recommended $1.85. The sliced cake is studded with peppermint chocolate chips, topped with cream cheese icing and sprinkled with white chocolate peppermint pieces.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]