by Molly Eide Marquez
For Vikki Mitchell and her husband Pat, coffee is more than a daily habit—it’s a way to build community. As the owners of The Human Bean Central California, they’ve turned their love of coffee and community into a thriving network of locally focused drive-thru coffee shops across the Central Valley and Central Coast.
Their journey began when Pat sold his food manufacturing company and the couple relocated full-time to Templeton, a place they had long considered their “happy place.” Retirement didn’t stick for Pat, so he and Vikki began looking for a new adventure. After careful research, they chose The Human Bean, drawn to the brand’s culture of care and its high-quality products.
Vikki with Some Favorite Customers
“We were immediately impressed with how The Human Bean supports not just their franchisees, but the communities they serve,” Vikki shared. “They treat you like a partner, not just a number.”
Pat and Vikki in Morro Bay
Community involvement is baked into every cup they serve. From backpack drives and Girl Scout cookie booths to animal shelter adoption events and school career fairs, their team is constantly finding ways to give back.
A Guest Barista Event
“We’ve participated in over 150 community events last year alone,” said Vikki. “We’re on track to exceed that this year.”
The Human Bean at a Visalia Rawhide Game
Pat with Produce at Food Bank
Closer to home, Pat puts his farming roots to good use by growing produce in a one-acre garden, which he donates to the local food bank as part of the Food Drive Giveback. And their Coffee for a Cure event donates 100% of proceeds to local hospitals supporting breast cancer patients—often with hospital staff joining as volunteer baristas.
A Coffee for a Cure Check Presentation
They also support educators through heartfelt gestures like their Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway. This year, 1,779 teachers across 61 schools received drink cards, espresso beans, and partnership materials. The response was overwhelming. “Teachers told us it made their day,” Vikki said. “Now, many schools want to partner with us year-round.”
To ensure each location reflects its community, the Mitchells take a hands-on approach—frequenting events, hiring local staff, and even sourcing food from nearby businesses. And through initiatives like the “Kind Human Bean” award, where students are recognized for acts of kindness, they’re building a culture of care from the ground up.
The Human Bean may be a franchise, but the Mitchells’ passion and personal investment make each shop feel like a hometown original. So, next time you’re in Visalia, Porterville, Clovis—or anywhere they serve—stop by for a cup of coffee that’s filled with more than just flavor. It’s brewed with kindness, connection, and community at its core.
The Human Bean Clovis, CA Location:
1720 Shaw Avenue
Clovis, CA 93611
Check out info on more locations on their website.
What wonderful people — and what a great business! Definitely stopping by for a cup of coffee next time I’m passing through town.