Here at Peach Valley Café, we—like most of America—can’t get enough of a good cup of coffee! It can serve as our morning fuel as we rush to school and work or, when mixed in with our favorite flavors, a satisfying afternoon treat.

In honor of National Coffee Day on September 29^th, we’re looking at the roots of this timelessly delicious beverage. We’ll also be sharing some of the tasty ways you can enjoy your own cup to celebrate!

The start of an international staple

While we know that coffee was likely used for the first time in Ethiopia, there are several theories as to how (or why) it was used in the first place. One tells the story of a man who noticed that birds who ate the coffee berries would be more active and energized in their movements—he decided to try the berries for himself and noticed the same change in him. A similar story follows the same idea… but in this version, it’s a herd of goats that experience newfound vitality!

While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what happened, we do know that coffee was being exported from Ethiopia to nearby Yemen in the 1500s, and England saw coffee appear during that century as well. It boomed there in England, where more than 3,000 coffee houses were up and running by 1675! These houses were often spaces of political discussion, so much so that King Charles II tried to end them that same year, for fear that political discussions might lead to subversive behaviors.

A revolutionary drink of choice

Coffee naturally became a popular drink in the Colonies, too, but never quite overtook the popularity of tea—that is, until 1773, when the Boston Tea Party led many colonists to stop drinking tea altogether in a show of patriotism. While we may not always acknowledge coffee’s patriotic place in America’s history, there’s no denying that it played a large part in developing what would become the country’s drink of choice all these years later!

Our favorite ways to fuel up

If all this coffee talk has stirred up a coffee craving, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with these great coffee drinks to enjoy here at Peach Valley:

• Caffé Mocha: For those who like some flavor in their coffee, the Caffé Mocha offers just that. It’s a standard latte with espresso and steamed milk, but the addition of a rich mocha flavor takes center stage!
• Espresso: This classic favorite is perfect for those days when you need a boost of energy to get through the morning, or a mid-afternoon slump.
• Café Iced Caramel Coffee: It may be fall, but Florida still sees its share of warm days! To cool off, enjoy a Café Iced Caramel Coffee for a sweet, refreshing option.
• Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte: Another refreshing treat, our Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte is all about infusing traditional fall flavors into an icy drink perfect for a warm afternoon with the family, or as a treat to celebrate a day's worth of hard work. We mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove into a pumpkin-flavored coffee that's sure to please all season long. You'll find our Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte on our special Café Sensations seasonal menu starting October 5th.

As you can see, the tradition of a morning cup of coffee or cup o’ Joe with friends is a part of our history—and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Come in on National Coffee Day and throughout the year, and enjoy your favorite cup with us here at Peach Valley. We look forward to seeing you then!

At Peach Valley, we’re passionate about serving fresh, home style meals you and your family will love. Experience the freshness today! Find a Location near you and be sure to Sign Up for our E-Club for news, updates and special offers.