Branson, MO (September 15, 2007) - Gloria Jean's Coffees, the premier provider of specialty-flavored whole bean coffees with nearly 140 retail stores nationwide, celebrated the official grand opening of Branson's third store and the company's first free-standing drive-through on Friday, September 14th. Located on West Highway 76 in Branson, Missouri, the store is one of the largest in the area, complete with a performance stage and full kitchen, and also features the new Gloria Jean's store design.

During the grand opening celebration, Branson's Mayor Raeanne Presley and Ms. Gloria Jean Kvetko herself participated in the official ribbon cutting ceremony, while Mile Zero entertained the crowds. Coffee, food samples and numerous prizes, including a Keurig Brewer and Bodum French Press, Gloria Jean's gift cards and 200 music CDs featuring Sony recording artists, were given away throughout the day, and the first 75 customers received the limited edition commemorative Gloria Jean's "Golden Cup," their key to free coffee for one whole year.

"Our new Branson store shows off our new design direction, which embodies the Gloria Jean's brand and helps to clearly illustrate our flavor variety," said Pamela Britton, president, Gloria Jean's Coffees. "The new design is more colorful and bolder and is evident throughout the store, from wall art and packaging to menus and promotional materials."

Using only the finest quality, single-origin 100% Arabica coffee beans, Gloria Jean's meticulously roasts and flavors to exacting standards and offers a complete selection of specialty teas, gourmet cocoas, as well as a full line of quality coffee and tea accessories and gift items. Guests can also select from a wide variety of hot drinks, from Lattes and Café au Lait, to specialty drinks, such as the White Chocolate Mocha and Vanilla Caramelatte. Gloria Jean's also features its signature line of Cookie, Fruit, Mocha and Specialty Chillers and offers decaffeinated coffees using a chemical-free process.

"We have so much to offer our customers," said Steve Mansfield, franchise owner of the new store. "In addition to our wide variety of delicious flavored coffees, teas and Chillers, we have a selection of tasty foods and snacks, including wraps, sandwiches and salads."

The 3,000 square-foot Gloria Jean's store is located at 1946 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri, 65616 and is open Sunday through Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Gloria Jean's Coffees is a subsidiary of Diedrich Coffee, Inc. Providing the ultimate coffee experience for nearly 30 years, Gloria Jean's is the largest mall-based premier provider of specialty-flavored whole bean coffees. Gloria Jean's specializes in sourcing, roasting and selling the world's highest quality coffees with over 40 specialty-flavored coffees and more than 20 origins and blends.