Another Asian Coffee Shop Brand to Enter San Diego Market

Aiming to be "America's next coffee franchise", Caffe Bene is the latest Asian-based coffeehouse chain to descend on San Diego.

The South Korean import has 1650 stores around the globe and over 100 stores in the U.S.; Eater has learned that Caffe Bene plans to open its first local outpost in Kearny Mesa, in the place of former karaoke lounge J Music Studio (4620 Convoy Street).

The company follows Tom N Toms Coffee, another Asian brand which already has two locations in San Diego.

Caffe Bene serves a traditional coffee menu and snacks that range from Belgian waffles and gelato to sandwiches and sweet toast they call honey bread, but they're more popularly known for their bubble tea drinks and Korean specialties, from misugaru, a sweet multi-grain drink made with black and brown rice, black sesame, barley and black beans, and bingsu, a shaved ice dessert.