A new cafe and wine bar is headed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, adding a dining destination to the waterfront campus next year.
Happy Bear Coffee Company, co-founded by Daniel Kredensor and Frank Orman, will lease 3,036 square feet on the ground floor of the multi-tenant lab building at 1201 Normandy Place, between Central Green Park and Chapel Plaza, according to a press release.
It marks the cafe’s first brick-and-mortar location, building on the success of its online presence.
Happy Bear will serve specialty coffee and operate a curated wine bar, alongside cafe favorites such as breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, flatbreads and tomato pie, plus chef-inspired grab-and-go offerings in partnership with Carlino’s Specialty Foods.
“We wanted to create a place that feels like a daily ritual and a small retreat all in one. With Carlino’s expertise as one of our culinary partners, we’re building a café that brings together wonderful specialty coffee, great flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, right in the heart of the Navy Yard’s most exciting new district,” Kredensor said in a statement.
Gold accents and greenery will highlight the space, with a long service counter for cafe orders and a floor-to-ceiling glass display filled with wine. Guests will enjoy indoor seating and a lounge area overlooking the outdoors through large windows.
Kredensor and Orman discovered a shared passion for Philadelphia’s cafe culture during their college years. After pursuing careers in tech and music, they reunited and launched the brand online in 2023.
Happy Bear aims to create a space fostering connection and community. The duo donate 5% of every purchase to causes chosen by customers, supporting local initiatives and environmental programs.
The team will begin construction this year and plans to open the cafe in spring 2026. Follow Happy Bear Coffee Company on Instagram and Facebook or visit the website for updates.
