La La Land Kind Cafe is known for celebrity collaborations. The brand has a huge presence on social media. | Photo courtesy of La La Land Kind Cafe.
La La Land Kind Café has a new investment to fuel national growth.
The Dallas-based coffeehouse chain this week announced a strategic growth investment from Stripes, a growth equity firm behind brands like the luxury grocery store Erewhon, Popup Bagels, and Levain Bakery.
Terms were not disclosed, but the goal is growth.
La La Land was founded in 2019 by Francois Reihani and has grown to 24 cafes in five markets, from California to Tennessee.
Beloved by celebrities for collaborations, the concept is built around bringing a “dream world” to life as a place where “joy, connection and compassion are served daily,” according to press materials, alongside lattes (in signature yellow cups), toasts and baked goods.
The spread at La La Land Kind Cafe. |Photo courtesy of La La Land Kind Cafe.
“From the beginning, we set out to build more than a coffee shop—we wanted to create a brand that people would connect with, and where our guests felt genuine happiness,” said Reihani, who is CEO, in a statement. “Our goal has always been to provide the highest-quality menu for our guests, alongside a differentiated and purpose-driven café experience. Partnering with Stripes allows us to take our vision to the next level while preserving what makes La La Land special.”
The café chain also has some star power on its advisory board, including Cava CEO and co-founder Brett Schulman, Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman, and Los Angeles real estate developer (and former mayoral candidate) Rick Caruso.
The investment builds on a $20 million injection in 2023 from John Phelan, former co-founder and chair emeritus of MSD Capital LP and founder of Rugger Management LLC, and private investor Andy Teller.
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Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts.
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