Happy Coffee began with a partnership in early 2024 between Robert Downey Jr. and Craig Dubitsky. Dubitsky, known for his innovative approach to product design with brands like Method and Eos, brings his expertise to the world of coffee.
Together, they set out to create a brand that not only delivers great coffee but also makes a positive impact on society.
Coffee sparks conversation. And loneliness is another big, big epidemic in this country. In some ways, we’re not in the coffee business, we’re in the happy business,”
- Dubitsky
Downey, shares his fondness for coffee, associating it with family, fellowship, and personal journey. His lighthearted acknowledgment of past addictions to alcohol and illegal drugs aligns with the spirit of Happy Coffee, which champions sobriety and positivity.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Downey describes coffee as "a perfect substance," citing its magical, consistent, and legal nature. He reflects on how it was his mother's beverage of choice, and he followed in her footsteps. For Downey, coffee is more than just a drink—it symbolizes family, fellowship, going the extra mile, and a raison d'être (French for a reason to be).
A Mission on Sourcing Good Coffee
In line with the founders' environmentalism, Happy collaborates with the world's largest vertically integrated coffee roaster to ensure responsibly grown and sustainably sourced coffee. Partnering with Rainforest Alliance-certified farms in Central and South America, each Happy Coffee package features a lot code for traceability, reflecting the brand's commitment to transparency.
"We didn’t want to be, we made up this word, baristacrats. We didn’t want to be snobby," Dubitsky explains. "It was important for us to make something that could elevate the every day." This sentiment reflects their desire to create a coffee experience that is inclusive and accessible, rather than elitist or exclusive.
The Product Line (Links to Amazon)
Mental Health Philosophy
Aligned with its philosophy, the Happy brand prioritizes mental health and operates on an entrepreneurship and philanthropy model dedicated to giving back.
In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation, they support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.
However, this partnership transcends traditional Corporate Social Responsibility. Happy Coffee has granted NAMI an equal stake in the company, providing a portion of its sales to further the organization's mission. Through this unique collaboration, consumers directly contribute to enhancing the lives of millions affected by mental illness.
FAQ
Where Can I Buy Happy Coffee Products?
You can buy Happy Coffee products from select online stores, including Amazon. You can also find the brand’s products on select store shelves, including Target.
Author
Donna is a coffee lover and freelance writer from Tanzania. Coffee runs deep in her family, tracing its roots to her grandmother’s running of their first coffee farm in the mid-70s. During the summer seasons, she enjoys writing and co-running her grandmother's small robusta coffee farm with her sister in northwest Tanzania.