Tribeca Coffee Shop Founded by Hugh Jackman Launches Franchise Program

A famed New York City coffee shop co-founded by Hollywood star Hugh Jackman is expanding through a national franchise program, the company announced this week in a press release.

Laughing Man Coffee & Tea Co. has been a staple in the Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca since 2009. In the statement, the coffee shop concept promised investors “an exceptional brand position, high-level media exposure, best-in-class leadership, cost-conscious, design and initial training and ongoing business coaching.” 

“We've long been asked when we'd be opening Laughing Man Cafes in new communities, and I am thrilled to announce that we are now expanding the Laughing Man brand, mission and community through franchises,” Laughing Man co-founder David Steingard said.. “We've assembled a best-in-class team with more than 100 years of combined experience who will work to grow with franchise locations with industry-leading systems, methodical expansion strategy and commitment to our franchisees.”

The Laughing Man brand and its “ALL BE HAPPY” mission were inspired by a trip to Ethiopia: Jackman wanted to explore the origins and growing methods of the country’s coffee beans. A local coffee farmer named Dukale, his family and their work sparked in the actor an elevated perspective on community, humanity and the role coffee plays in it all.

The founders also launched a charity, the Laughing Man Foundation, to bolster coffee-farming communities through educational programs and by selling tea, apparel and fair-trade coffee.

The coffee shop has been featured in GQ and Mashed.

The launch of a franchise program creates opportunity for entrepreneurs who share in the company’s ethos, according to Steingard: “The growth of Laughing Man will be built with franchisees who not only see an outstanding business opportunity but who believe in our mission of ALL BE HAPPY!"