Tully’s Coffee founder retiring as chairman

Tully’s Coffee founder retiring as chairman

SEATTLE — Tully’s Coffee founder Tom O’Keefe says he’s retiring June 30 as chairman of the company.

He made the announcement Friday at a shareholders meeting in Seattle. A company statement says a successor will be selected over the next 90 days by Tully’s board.

O’Keefe said he has confidence in the operating team led by president and CEO Carl Pennington.

Tully’s has 183 U.S. stores. It is also expanding in Asian markets.

O’Keefe started the company in 1992 with one store in Kent, Wash.