Startup CPG Newswire:
Free Bean Launches World’s First Free Coffee Shop
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY Adam Korsunsky for Free Bean
NEW YORK, NY (AUGUST 2026) — Free Bean, the world’s first free coffee company, made possible by placing advertisements directly on its ready-to-drink coffee cans, will open its first physical storefront at 15 East 40th Street in Manhattan, between Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal, on September 23.
Since its founding, Free Bean has distributed more than 62,000 free cans of coffee across 25 major cities, underwriting the free product through can-based advertising. The new storefront extends that distribution model into a walk-in retail format, giving New Yorkers direct in-person access to the brand rather than relying solely on their existing distribution channels.
Six companies are backing the storefront as launch partners: Ramp, Novig, Bland, Warp, Outset, and Paper.
The storefront’s operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Free Bean is modeled after the free internet. Ads pay for your scroll or search engine, and now they pay for your coffee. It’s especially impactful for consumers, at a time when coffee prices continue to increase, and for brands that want to reach their audience by authentically providing value,” said Adam Korsunsky, founder of Free Bean.
Free Bean intends to use the storefront as both a consumer touchpoint in Manhattan and a physical showcase of its distribution model for prospective advertisers.
About Free Bean
Free Bean is a canned ready-to-drink cold brew coffee brand built on an ad-subsidized model: cans are distributed free to consumers, funded by companies that advertise on the packaging. Since launching, Free Bean has distributed more than 62,000 cans of coffee across 25 major cities. In September 2026, Free Bean opened its first physical storefront in Manhattan, extending its distribution model into a walk-in retail format. More information is available at freebean.co.
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