One of Alabama’s most venerable businesses is turning 125 this year. Royal Cup Coffee began percolating in 1896, when Henry T. Batterton made rounds in Birmingham via horse-drawn wagon. His company, Batterton Coffee Company, served coffee that became known around town as a “royal” cup of coffee. When the Smith family purchased the company in 1950, they changed the name to Royal Cup Coffee. The Smith family still owns and manages the business with Bill Smith Jr. serving as shares owner and chairman of the board. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives and History
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This originally appeared in the November 2021 issue of Business Alabama.
