Human Bean opens second Laramie drive-thru, gives 10% to soup kitchen

The Human Bean expanded its presence in Laramie with a grand opening on Feb. 10, 2026, of a second drive-thru location at 415 S. Johnson St. Local franchise owners Matt and Davina Lockhart marked the opening by donating 10% of opening-day proceeds to the Laramie Soup Kitchen, directing a share of initial sales toward local hunger relief.

The new outlet completes a rapid, visible buildout for the national drive-thru coffee franchise in Albany County and offers immediate convenience for commuters and South Laramie residents. The drive-thru format aims to capture morning and lunchtime traffic along Johnson Street while catering to drivers who prefer quick takeout service. For residents, the location adds another option for coffee and quick food service without changing established routines.

The Lockharts’ decision to earmark a portion of opening-day revenue for the Laramie Soup Kitchen ties a commercial expansion to a local charity need. The Laramie Soup Kitchen provides daily meals and services to people experiencing food insecurity in the city, and the donated share from a single day of sales can act as a short-term infusion of funds and a public relations boost for the nonprofit. For local charitable organizations that rely on donations and event-driven gifts, partnerships with new businesses can expand visibility and encourage repeat giving from customers who learn about the cause at point of sale.

Economically, a new franchise location signals investor confidence in Laramie’s retail and service demand. The Human Bean’s second drive-thru suggests market capacity for specialty coffee offerings alongside existing cafes and national chains. New drive-thru sites can shift foot and vehicle traffic patterns near commercial corridors, and nearby businesses may see spillover effects from increased morning and midday visits. Local hiring for staffing, operations, and supply relationships typically accompanies such openings, creating entry-level and part-time work opportunities for residents.

For consumers, the immediate impact is simple: another convenient stop for coffee and grab-and-go items on South Johnson Street, plus the knowledge that a share of first-day spending supported the Laramie Soup Kitchen. For the nonprofit sector, the donation highlights how private businesses can tie marketing events to community needs.

Looking ahead, Albany County residents can expect the Human Bean to compete for daily coffee routines while also using grand openings and promotions to engage local causes. Customers who value community-minded business practices may find occasions to support both a new local job generator and the Laramie Soup Kitchen through routine purchases and future events.