Key Highlights
- Klatch Coffee has released a limited-edition espresso to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
- The Centennial blend is a single-origin Ethiopian espresso with cherry, raspberry, and chocolate notes.
- Route 66 centennial celebrations have already begun ahead of the official November 2026 anniversary. Klatch continues its retail expansion with new in-store cafés at Sprouts Farmers Markets locations.
As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary, Klatch Coffee is commemorating the historic highway with a special espresso release. Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 stretches from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier and passes directly through San Bernardino County, making it a deeply local landmark for the Rancho Cucamonga–based coffee company.
Klatch’s newly released Centennial espresso is a medium-roast, single-origin Ethiopian coffee featuring tasting notes of cherry, raspberry, and chocolate. The limited-edition espresso is priced at $22.95 for an 11-ounce bag and is stamped with a roast date, underscoring the brand’s emphasis on freshness and craftsmanship.
A Tribute to American Travel Culture
According to Klatch Coffee, the Centennial espresso is intended as “a heartfelt tribute to the open road of Route 66, roadside diners and the timeless spirit of American travel.” The company also shared recommended brewing guidelines for home espresso enthusiasts, suggesting an extraction of 21 grams in, 38 grams out, at 201 degrees for 23 seconds to achieve optimal flavor.
Klatch’s connection to Route 66 runs deeper than the tribute blend. The company operates a café on Foothill Boulevard, formerly part of Route 66, and its headquarters are nearby, reinforcing its ties to the historic corridor.
Early Centennial Celebrations Underway
Although U.S. Highway 66 was officially established on Nov. 11, 1926, centennial celebrations are already taking shape nearly nine months ahead of the anniversary. One of the earliest events took place on Jan. 3 at the historic 1915 Cucamonga Service Station, located about a mile from Klatch’s café. A caravan of vintage cars traveling from Santa Monica to Chicago stopped at the site as part of the kickoff festivities.
Additional celebrations are planned across all eight states the highway runs through. The Route 66 Centennial website features a state-by-state calendar that includes upcoming car shows, museum exhibits, and community events.
Community and Sports Tie-Ins
Local sports organizations are also joining the celebration. Representatives for the Inland Empire 66ers confirmed the team plans multiple Route 66-themed promotions during the 2026 season. The Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners opens the season with an away game on April 2, followed by a home opener at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino on April 7.
Retail Expansion Continues
Alongside the centennial release, Klatch Coffee continues to grow its retail footprint. The company has expanded its presence in Sprouts Farmers Markets, recently opening in-store cafés in Huntington Beach and West Covina.
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