Vintage California Road Stops - Coffee Tree Vacaville, CA

Brewing Up Memories: The Enduring Legacy of Vacaville's Coffee Tree

For decades, the Coffee Tree restaurant was more than just a place to grab a bite in Vacaville. It was a landmark, a meeting spot, and a repository of countless local memories. From early morning commuters to families enjoying Sunday brunch, generations passed through its doors, each leaving a little piece of their story behind.

The Coffee Tree's roots in Vacaville stretch back to the 1960s, a time when Vacaville was rapidly growing, transitioning from a small agricultural town to a bustling suburban community. It was the era of the classic American diner, and the Coffee Tree embodied that spirit perfectly – a welcoming atmosphere, hearty meals, and a sense of community.

Originally established by the Power family, the restaurant quickly became a local favorite. It was the kind of place where everyone knew your name, and the coffee was always hot and plentiful. The menu featured all the diner staples you'd expect: stacks of pancakes, sizzling bacon, juicy burgers, and comforting home-style dinners.

Over the years, while the faces behind the counter and in the booths may have changed, the core essence of the Coffee Tree remained. It survived economic shifts, new culinary trends, and the ever-changing landscape of Vacaville itself. Through it all, it retained its charm and its commitment to serving good, honest food

Many long-time Vacaville residents have a "Coffee Tree story" to tell. Maybe it was where they had their first date, celebrated a graduation, or simply enjoyed a quiet breakfast before work. Bay Area families heading to Lake Tahoe on Interstate 80 would stop to feed the kids before continuing the journey east. The mid century modern orange-roofed building and its familiar interior had been the backdrop for countless everyday moments and significant life events.

The Coffee Tree became a relic of different roadside era, and the farm land surrounding the area became valuable for development and growing population. The Coffee Tree closed in 2003 and was demolished in 2005. A bustling retail center surrounds the area. The actual location of the Coffee Tree is now an In and Out Burger restaurant. 

Did you ever visit the Coffee Tree? Old Road Brand pays tribute with our very own "Modern Vintage" Coffee Tree Trucker Hat, it is available now.