New York
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Los Angeles
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
San Francisco
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Washington DC
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Chicago
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Austin
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Miami
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Seattle
/
Spotlights
/
Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon
Image source
Marc Baumann

Le Café Coffee: How the Sakr Brothers Turned a Family Legacy Into a NYC Coffee Icon

TLDR

NYC is a city where coffee shops are as common as yellow taxis, standing out isn’t easy. But for Raphael and Mikael Sakr, breaking through New York’s crowded coffee scene wasn’t about gimmicks or trends—it was about consistency, quality, and community. Together, these brothers built Le Café Coffee, a growing chain that has become a go-to spot for New Yorkers who crave great coffee, warm service, and a sense of familiarity in the heart of a fast-moving city.

What started as a small café in Union Square back in 2013 has now expanded into a successful network of over 18 locations across some of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods. From Penn Station to local favorites hidden across Manhattan, Le Café Coffee has found its place in the daily lives of countless customers. But behind this success is the story of two brothers with a shared vision—to build a coffee brand based on trust, loyalty, and outstanding quality.

Raphael Sakr - CEO of Le Cafe Coffee (Image Source - Raphael's LinkedIn)

A Family Legacy Reimagined

The story of Le Café Coffee is based about continuing a family tradition that began in 1952. Long before Raphael and Mikael opened their first café, their great-grandfather had already laid the foundation by starting a coffee factory. His passion for the craft and dedication to quality planted the seeds that would eventually inspire the brothers to pursue their own venture.

When Raphael Sakr founded Le Café Coffee in 2013, he wanted to create a brand that reflected his family’s love for coffee while bringing something new to the city’s already competitive scene. Soon, his brother Mikael Sakr joined as COO, focusing on operations and helping the business expand while ensuring the brand’s quality and consistency never wavered.

From the beginning, their goal was clear: offer high-quality coffee sourced from some of the best coffee-growing regions in the world like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil—and create a space where customers would feel valued and welcome every time they visited.

Consistency at Every Location

Maintaining consistency across multiple coffee shop locations is no easy feat. However, one thing customers can count on is that every Le Café Coffee location offers the same level of exceptional service and product quality. Whether it’s a quick stop at Union Square or a coffee break at the newly opened Penn Station branch, the experience remains consistent and reliable.

The brothers’ attention to detail has been key to building a loyal following. Mikael’s role as COO ensures that staff across all locations are trained to deliver the same level of care and attention, whether it’s crafting the perfect latte or remembering a regular customer’s favorite order. It’s this personal touch that has earned Le Café Coffee a reputation for being reliable and welcoming, even in a city known for its hustle.

Their management style also reflects their values. The brothers believe in creating an environment where employees feel supported and motivated, which not only improves customer service but also fosters a stronger sense of community within their team.

What’s Next for Le Café Coffee?

Expanding any business while staying true to its roots is a challenge—and for Le Café brothers, it’s been a priority from day one. As the coffee shop continues to open new locations, they’ve stayed focused on the two things that set them apart: high-quality coffee and a dedication to delivering a memorable customer experience.

The newest café at Penn Station that opened last year is a sign of bigger things to come. With each opening, Raphael and Mikael focus on maintaining a personal connection with the communities they serve, never allowing growth to compromise the quality or atmosphere of their cafés.

Looking ahead, the owners have plans to further expand their presence across NYC, while staying true to their roots as a neighborhood coffee shop. They also continue to explore ways to innovate—whether it’s through sourcing new coffee blends, offering seasonal menu items, or introducing loyalty programs to reward their most dedicated customers.

Mikael Sakr - COO of Le Cafe Coffee (Image Source: Mikael's LinkedIn)

Final Thoughts

For Raphael and Mikael Sakr, success goes beyond the number of shops they’ve opened—it’s rooted in the connections they’ve made with their customers, their team, and the communities they serve. Le Café Coffee reflects not only their passion for high-quality coffee but also their commitment to creating spaces that feel welcoming and personal amidst the fast pace of city life.

While many coffee shops in New York aim for mass appeal, the Sakr brothers have built something more meaningful: a brand known for its consistency, warmth, and attention to detail. Every cup they serve is a testament to their hard work and the strong foundation laid by their family’s coffee legacy.

As their business continues to expand, one thing remains clear—Le Café Coffee isn’t just another stop for caffeine; it’s become a part of daily life for many New Yorkers, offering not just great coffee, but a sense of comfort and connection that keeps people coming back.