What started as one man’s vision to spread small acts of kindness—buying bikes, donating money—evolved into the bigger dream of what the CEO and founder Francois Reihani calls “embracing the ‘teach a man to fish’ philosophy,’” became something entirely different when the first La La Kind Cafe opened on Bell Ave. in Dallas, TX in 2019. It was an instant hit; when you take your first step into its newest location, you’ll instantly understand why.
The vibe inside La La Land Kind cafe is all about happiness and cheer. “From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by a fresh, bright atmosphere designed to uplift and inspire. The space is filled with natural light, warm smiles from our kind team, and an energy that’s welcoming and contagious. Every detail—from the sunny aesthetic to the thoughtfully crafted drinks—is meant to create an environment that feels as good as it looks,” says TKTK.
The cafe staff is a huge part of the vibe and a big part of the success! While offering great coffee and small plates is a huge bonus, the cafe and the non-profit’s core mission is to provide foster youth with steady employment while promoting and normalizing kindness—a message that the community and customers believe in with all their hearts.
They have seasonal interns, and many choose to stay on permanently. Even better, through the non-profit foundation rebranded as La La Land Kind Foundation, these interns gain access to valuable resources and partnerships that provide career guidance, social capital, and job placement services in their chosen fields. The relationships they make while working at the cafe don’t end after they complete the program and move on to other professional endeavors. “Our interns will always remain part of the La La family—a place they can always call home,” says TKTK
So, what can you enjoy when visiting a La La Land Kind Cafe? Besides the original coffees that became an instant hit, Reihani, the mind behind the menu, has collaborated with the R&D team to develop innovative new offerings like the viral cucumber salad and the matcha strawberries & cream. Other menu items include hibiscus iced tea, french toast latte, and matcha strawberries & cream to truffle burrata toast, and the fan-favorite classic avocado toast, which comes topped with a touch of lemon and chili flakes.
And the syrups alone are worth a visit. “La La Land is also the only café in DFW that crafts the most extensive selection of house-made syrups, meticulously prepared in-house—right down to infusing lavender flowers with cane sugar in the kitchen. Each syrup is thoughtfully designed to complement the authentic flavors of matcha and espresso, enhancing rather than overpowering them,” says TKTK
What’s next for La La Land Kind Foundation and cafes? There are currently 20 cafes in Texas and California, and the founder and board members are adamant that while they’re exploring new markets, staying dedicated to the original mission is most important. “The La La Land Foundation remains committed to building strong relationships with local communities, ensuring that wherever we go, we create meaningful opportunities to support youth and those in need,” says TKTK.
The latest La La Land Cafe opened in the Camp Bowie District in Fort Worth this past February, and for anyone who appreciates organic espresso, fair-trade teas, ceremonial grade premium matcha, and the popular La La Latte, made with Madasgar bean syrup topped with the cafe’s signature classic cloud, it’s a must-visit. For more info visit lalalandkindcafe.com