MJB Coffee
Oakland, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

An old brick wall in Oakland still puts in a good word for MJB Coffee, complete with the familiar “Why?” question. Just how old this paint is remains uncertain, but the advertisement has had plenty of time to catch the eye of someone ready for a cup.

Founded in San Francisco in 1881, MJB became a familiar name around the Bay Area. Its curious little slogan gave passersby something to ponder. Why MJB? The company's answer was “Because it's in the cup!” Guess the rest required a taste test.

UPDATE: The painted advertisement survives on the south wall of the historic Dunn Block on Washington Street. Built in 1878–1879, the building remains in commercial use, with the old coffee pitch still part of the scenery. 09-26