FORT WORTH, Texas — Editor's note: This article was originally published in the Dallas Business Journal here.
A popular coffee shop chain lauded for its ornate and colorful beverages appears to be expanding its presence in North Texas with a new location on the west side of the Metroplex, per a recent filing with the state.
La La Land Kind Cafe, known for its signature yellow facade and cheery atmosphere, appears to have plans to open a store in Fort Worth, which would be the Dallas-based chain's 10th store in Texas and first for Tarrant County. Construction is expected to begin in mid-July and is slated to open sometime in October, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing.
Information found in TDLR filings is preliminary and subject to change; however, they are often good indicators of new development.
The new cafe aims to be located at 5733 Camp Bowie Boulevard, less than a mile away from Ridglea Country Club and on the edge of the Como neighborhood. Camp Bowie Boulevard, which stretches all the way to Fort Worth’s Botanic Gardens and cultural district, is a highly trafficked road with plenty of retail nearby.
Additionally, the 1,686-square-foot space, formerly a Smoothie King, will retain the same kitchen, restrooms and dining area, per the TDLR filing. Renovation costs for “new finishes” are expected to be around $350,000.
In addition to caffeinated beverages, which include an assortment of teas and lattes, the coffee shop also boasts an aesthetic food menu, featuring avocado toasts, croissants, muffins and overnight oats.
The coffee shop got its start in 2019 off Lower Greenville with a mission to spread kindness and give back to the community. La La Land also employs youth who have been through the foster care system, which is a cause central to the business.
The chain has since expanded beyond Texas, with a few locations in Southern California for a total of 13 stores overall. It’s also gained traction on social media for its Instagram-worthy lattes and visually pleasing store branding, which includes yellow cup sleeves adorned with positive messages.
Earlier this year, La La Land opened its first store in Plano and Collin County, drawing a line that wrapped around the building during its grand opening. This store aims to hire up to 40 people.
Last year, two high-profile investors — MSD Capital Chairman Emeritus John Phelan and angel investor Andy Teller — also pledged $20 million to the coffee shop in part to support the chain’s growth.
“La La Land Kind Cafe is raising the standard of what we should expect from companies,” Pheland said in a statement. “A business can give back, care about the community, and serve high-quality products while being profitable."
