We will continually update and add answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions on this page.

Is Hard Bean a franchise?
No. Yes. Well, not really. “Hard Bean” (www.hardbean.com) is a buying group. The company allows cafe owners access to certain vendors with special pricing that they normally wouldn’t have on their own. Each cafe is independently owned and operated and “Hard Bean” mainly offers branding and advertising opportunities.

Why do you pour hot coffee over ice instead of refrigerating double-strong coffee?
Because it’s better. Our coffee is already stronger than most of our competitors (we use more ground coffee per finished cup of brewed coffee), plus coffee is a solution. Over time solids (flavor compounds) will settle out of the coffee and oils (also flavor compounds) will float to the top. This changes the flavor of the drink to a level we’re not comfortable with.

Are you affiliated with the (now closed) Hard Bean in Severna Park, MD?
No. Corky’s Hard Bean was owned and operated by a different company than either Hard Bean Coffee & BookSellers or Hard Bean Cafe Maryland Hall.

What kind of equipment do you use at your store?
Our espresso machine is a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Plus three group. Our espresso grinders are Nuova Simonelli MDXs. We use Fetco coffee brewers and Fetco and Bunn coffee grinders. The business’ computers are Dells and run Microsoft products. Our free internet terminals are Dells and IBMs an run a custom distribution of Debian GNU Linux. We feature XM Satellite Radio in the store. Anything else?