EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE WITH PURPOSE.
WE CRAFT
The Beginning
Our story began in a small garage in Ottawa, driven by a passion for traditional methods of roasting and brewing coffee. We roasted in small batches, focused on quality over quantity, and shared fresh, expressive coffee with the local community.
Orders were filled on demand and delivered with care, creating lasting connections with those who appreciated craft and character. From the beginning, one thing was clear: great coffee brings people together. That belief continues to guide us today.
From Roastery to Community
We opened our first flagship café at 35 Laurel, moved into a larger roasting facility, and upgraded our roasting equipment. This year also marked the beginning of our in-house kitchen, where fresh baked goods and artisanal sandwiches became part of the Happy Goat experience.
We expanded across Ottawa, opening cafés in Elgin, Sandy Hill, Cumberland, Main, and Hopewell, and signed an exclusive partnership with the city’s new LRT transit system. We also launched a unique location inside Staples.
Resilience and Reach
By 2020, we had visited more than seven coffee regions, deepening our direct relationships with growers. We opened LRT kiosks, set up shop in the World Exchange Plaza and the National Gallery of Canada, and powered a premium café inside the Château Laurier hotel.
In response to the pandemic, we leaned into e-commerce and significantly grew our online store. We also launched our own line of in-house doughnuts and secured retail placement with Farm Boy.
Our Success
This year marked an important step forward for Happy Goat: we expanded beyond Ottawa for the first time, opening new locations in the Greater Toronto Area and Quebec. Entering these vibrant markets reflects the strength of our roots and the growing demand for coffee with character and integrity.
At home in Ottawa, our presence continues to grow. You can now find Happy Goat in more than 60 local establishments, with 15 cafés across the city, including all three LRT kiosks. While we expand into new markets, our commitment to quality and community stays true.
Our Master Roaster
At the heart of our journey stands one exceptional figure: Dr. Hans Langenbahn, our master roaster. His deep-rooted passion for coffee and rare scientific understanding from seed to cup continue to shape every roast we craft.
With a background in Anthropology, Hans first encountered the complexities of coffee during his field research in Sudan and Ethiopia. Immersed in origin, he gained firsthand insight into the traditions, precision, and care required to produce truly remarkable coffee. Today, he remains closely connected to the source, returning regularly to Addis Ababa to work alongside our partnered farmers and support the communities that grow with us.
In every cup, there’s a story. Our job is to honour it, from the hands that harvest to the hearts that sip.
HENRY ASSAD - CEO
