Royal Cup Coffee and Tea

Like most great stories, ours has a humble beginning. In 1896, Henry T. Batterton made rounds in Birmingham, Alabama, selling coffee from his horse-drawn wagon. His company, Batterton Coffee Company, served coffee so fresh and flavorful that it was deemed fit for royalty. Because of its high-quality taste, it became known around town as a “royal” cup of coffee. Batterton Coffee Company experienced decades of success and growth, and established itself as a legitimate, thriving business in a small southern city.

It wasn’t until 1950, after William E. Smith purchased Batterton Coffee Company, that the company was renamed Royal Cup Coffee. To this day, the Smith family still owns and manages the business.

Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of the world’s finest specialty and premium coffees and teas. Royal Cup’s reach extends throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, serving customers in the food service, hospitality, office and specialty coffee markets.

Our strong history is a big part of who we are today, but our company’s story still is being written. With appreciation and reverence, we acknowledge the past; with excitement and optimism, we work towards the future. We invite you to join us on this journey and become a part of the Royal Cup story.