In a city as competitive as New York, it’s not easy to start a successful coffee company. For the rare few that can find their footing though, once New Yorkers fall in love with your coffee they’ll never give it up.
Le Cafe Coffee is one such company. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Raphael Sakr, the New-York based coffee chain has seen substantial growth in the past decade and now operates close to 10 locations across the city. In fact, your vigilant WhatNow watchdog even covered their last expansion in October, which saw the cafe opening up near central park at 250 West 57th Street (though it is still being developed).
Now, the team is once again gearing up to open a brand new cafe at 501 Seventh Avenue, between West 37th Street and West 38th. Less than three blocks away from Penn Station, the acquisition is a serious victory for Le Cafe, which will now be able to provide its signature coffee and pastries to a brand new group of commuters travelling to and from the station.
The deal was brokered by Winick Realty Group, who struck the deal with Empire State Realty Trust (who also owned the building that housed Le Cafe’s last expansion on 57th Street). Leasing a total 731 square feet, the tenants agreed to an asking rent of $250 per square feet.
Moving into the ground floor of 501 Seventh Avenue, Le Cafe will be joining popular stores like Potbelly Sandwich SHop and Zaro’s Family Bakery. Continuing its mission to provide the city with excellent crafted coffee and artisinal healthy food, Le Cafe invites guests to “discover a new experience in the third wave coffee industry.” While Sakr and the team are still extremely early into the development process, you can check out their website for a list of all of their locations currently in operation. And for LIC readers, you can also look forward to a brand new location planned for 52-41 Center Boulevard.
