The first form of bb’s cafe opened as "BB's Donuts". Three of these stores were opened between 1985 and 1987. The first true franchised BB’s store (then operating under the name BB’s Coffee & Bake) commenced operation in 1991. The first bb’s cafe New Zealand outlet was opened in 1994

In late 2004, due to results from extensive market research bb’s began its transformation into bb’s cafe. The new logo and tag line emerged as a result and the brand’s positioning statement was developed. As at the date of publication, the bb’s system has grown to include 60 outlets across Australia and New Zealand.