Usually, April Fools jokes are either overdone or simply unbelievable. The day has become such a tiresome tradition that it’s almost expected to hear about a brand doing something crazy. But still, this announcement from The Coffee Bean took everyone by surprise. Why? Well, because it really could have happened.
On April 1st, The Coffee Bean made a statement that they’d be giving up their signature pellet ice in favor of the standard stuff you’d find in ice cube trays. And listen — I don’t personally know much about ice costs over at The Coffee Bean, but I do know that making ice in a standard tray is one of the easiest things you can do.
In fact, do you even remember the last time you had to purchase an ice tray? Many of them seem to come with the fridge. Or at least, that’s how it seems.
The fact that The Coffee Bean also started this awful announcement with, “After listening to our beloved CBTL community, we have decided to discontinue our pellet ice,” also makes it seem more official. On Instagram, they quoted choking risk as one of the reasons why this change would be taking place.
Here’s the post that freaked everyone out:
So, surely a chain wouldn’t resort to ice cube trays. But if somebody choked on ice, that might be a good method in the meantime for safety — right?
People love the pellet ice so much that it literally freaked everyone out. Surely The Coffee Bean knew it’d spark some outrage.
The ice is so popular that the website SweetyHigh ranked it as #2. The only ice that topped it was from Sonic.
Have you ever gone to a restaurant just for the ice? For a beverage chain, even such a small difference like ice shape can put it ahead of the game.
One person was so disappointed that they said they’d stop going to The Coffee Bean. Hearts were broken over this prank.
This breaks my heart. I have been a loyal avid coffee bean customer for several years and I explicitly praise the pellet ice. When I have been sick this ice is easy for me to swallow to numb my throat. Incredibly disappointed. Lost customer. https://t.co/vP2eamzSs8
— Marbella (@anyasunsets) April 1, 2019
Even when people figured out it was a prank, they couldn’t help but comment. That’s because the ice is such an important part of the experience.
OH SHIT IS THIS A PRANK GOD DAMMIT I FELL FOR IT
— Marbella (@anyasunsets) April 1, 2019
Pellet ice is extremely popular because it’s just extra fun to chew on. It serves a totally different purpose than standard, cubed ice.
In fact, some people even snack on it. Doesn’t this look like a dream?
Pellet ice alone has inspired people in ways you’ll never know. For some, it’s the deciding factor on whether or not to run a coffee shop.
I'm going to open a coffee shop one day and you best believe it'll have pellet ice like sonic and coffee bean.
— Jen Boylen (@JenBoylen) August 15, 2017
For others, its reason alone to grab an iced coffee. It’s like a treat after a treat.
Dear Coffee Bean, The pellet ice in my iced cafe latte puts you a small step above the competition. http://t.co/w6sSxdCWbG
— Sheena (@SheenaLPhelps) April 7, 2013
The Coffee Bean tried to make peace by making sure everyone knew it was all a joke. Hey, sometimes when you hear bad news, it’s hard to remember what day it is.
Well, thank goodness! This was an April Fools' Day prank 😅 pic.twitter.com/kcyEuKiOHU
— The Coffee Bean (@TheCoffeeBean) April 1, 2019
In fact, the brand made that perfectly clear in their own tweet. They know how awesome their pellet ice is.
*UPDATE* April Fools’, guys! Our pellet ice, which really is awesome, is not going anywhere 😅
— The Coffee Bean (@TheCoffeeBean) April 1, 2019
People who came in late to the prank were thankful that they seemed to have timed everything correctly. Why panic for no reason?
I'M GLAD I MISSED THE ORIGINAL TWEET
— houston whaley (@houstonious) April 1, 2019
So for now, it looks like your pellet ice is safe. But just in case a chain like The Coffee Bean pulls shenanigans like this again, you may want to invest in your own home machine.
Which is expensive, but worth it for the hardcore ice fans out there.
