Peerless Coffee & Tea 100 Years - A Legacy of Innovation

For a century, Peerless Coffee & Tea has been family-owned and operated in Oakland, growing from its humble beginnings in 1924. Founded by Yugoslavian immigrant John Vukasin at Washington and 9th Streets, Peerless quickly became a Bay Area pioneer with its rich, European-style blends. In 1957, John's son George joined the business and continued expansion of the business along with his wife Sonja. Today, the third generation—George Jr. and Kristina—continue the family’s tradition of quality and community commitment. Known for sustainable practices and lasting relationships, Peerless remains family strong and Oakland proud on Oak Street.

As Peerless celebrates its 100th anniversary, they proudly give back to the Oakland community that has supported them for a century. Through their year-long Acts of Giving “First Fridays” campaign, $1 from every cup of coffee and pound sold in their café and online have been donated to local charitable organizations, which has allowed them to continue to foster the importance of community first. 

The Vukasin family and Peerless Coffee have cherished a deep, multi-generational relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland. Over the years, they’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact this incredible organization has had on our community, including employees and customers who were shaped by its programs. Supporting the Boys & Girls Club is Peerless’ way of honoring their unwavering commitment to Oakland’s youth and their invaluable work in nurturing and building futures and empowering the next generation. Peerless couldn’t be prouder to give back to an organization that means so much to them and to Oakland. 

 By blending a love for coffee with Oaklandish’s dedication to local pride, we’re not just celebrating what makes Oakland special—we’re actively investing in its future.  Now more than ever, Oakland needs a solid future generation, and this collection of tees honors that commitment with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland.  Every purchase you make goes beyond coffee and merchandise; it’s a commitment to making our community stronger.

Together, we can enjoy great coffee, represent our city, and support the youth who represent its bright future. 

Let’s brew something great, Oakland! 

Shop now and support Boys & Girls Club of Oakland with every purchase!