Help Be Bright recover after coffee catering van theft

***October 19 UPDATE: Hi everyone. Frank here! I just wanted to take a moment to share a few updates and some words from the heart. I just want to say that both Michelle and I have been completely taken aback and humbled by our community’s response and support to the news of our stolen van.

To be honest, it was a lot to process on Sunday morning - unsure of what it meant for our future at Smorgasburg and our team’s ability to work and earn money. The van also meant a lot to us because it was a gift from our sister-in-law and her family. They gifted us the Chevrolet Astro when they learned that we were going to start popping up at @smorgasburgla back in 2021. There’s no amount of money that could ever replace the sentimental value of the van because it was a gift to us when we needed one.

In response to the news of our stolen van, our sister in law also started up a Go Fund Me to help us recover the loss of monetary value and we were able to hit our original goal of $10,000 within a short few days. Donations came in from so many of our friends and loved ones and we were truly touched by everyone’s generosity. The amount of industry folks willing to lend us machines, carts, vans and anything we needed to reopen blew us away. We are forever grateful to everyone who gave and it has left a lasting impression on our hearts.

Last Sunday, after we learned that our van was stolen, we went to the police station to file a stolen vehicle report. For the next few days, we didn’t hear anything. Not knowing what was going to happen, I knew I couldn’t just wait around, so I immediately made plans for us to reopen this upcoming Sunday. I repurchased tables, tents, signage, pitcher rinsers, water tower, coffee brewer, etc. everything we needed to be back up and running. Well everything but the espresso machines and grinder. To remedy that, I reached out to my friends at @purespro and @commoncollabs to create concentrates that would allow us to make drinks without an espresso machine. I was really happy with the results and we were eager to reopen with this new change in service. And then we got a call late last night that our van was found.

We weren’t able to pick it up til today. Expecting the worst, we assumed that both of our machines were gone, along with our grinder. Miraculously, none of the machines were stolen but the van has been pretty banged up from the thief’s entering and breaking in. The front door is completely jammed and won’t open. The ignition switch is completely stripped from their high jacking. And to top it all off, our catalytic converter was stolen. The car is basically undriveable at this point. So we’ve decided to take the money raised towards a new (used) van.

The good news is, we are going to be open at Smorgasburg tomorrow and our team is super excited to be there to serve all of our faithful customers and fellow vendors. As for style of service, we’ll be doing a mix of things and seeing how our drinks taste with the new extracts. So we’ll see you tomorrow!

We just want to say thank you to all of you for your support. We are so thankful to know that we have a community behind us that cares and this unfortunate event has made that evident. What should’ve been one of the worst weeks of our lives, turned into an inspiring one. Thank you all so much.

***October 17 UPDATE: Frank and Michelle would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the continued support, generosity, and contribution to their business. They have assessed their losses and want to increase the goal to $20,000 which is closer to the total losses of the van theft, but doesn't even include the value of the van. The contents of the van included two professional-grade espresso machines (a La Marzocco GS3 and Linea Mini), a grinder, a custom-made coffee cart, and so many other items they need to re-purchase to be able to cater events again.

They are so grateful for all the love and support, and they are working on a way to return everyone's kindness. Stay tuned!

***October 16 UPDATE: we are so incredibly thankful for all your love and support these past couple of days. Frank and Michelle are deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity their family, friends, and community have shown them. The donations you have made will help to recover some of the coffee equipment (which included espresso machines and grinders) that was stolen with the van, thanks to you all.

Please continue to support their small business, share, and spread the word! Thank you all <3

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On Sunday October 13, my sister-in-law Michelle and her husband Frank had their catering van stolen in the middle of the night, along with thousands of dollars of equipment they use for their service at Smorgasburg LA every Sunday. The loss of these resources essentially eliminates their company Be Bright Coffee's ability to serve at Smorgasburg and to cater events, a vital aspect of their business. Most importantly, these losses affect their employees' work hours and the loyal customers who visit Be Bright's Smorgasburg booth every week.

A police report was filed on Sunday, but neither the van nor the equipment have been recovered.

We are asking our family, friends, and the community to come together to support Frank and Michelle through this financial setback. The funds received from your donations will go directly to Be Bright Coffee so they can restore the coffee equipment that was stolen from them and hopefully continue vending at Smorgasburg LA.

Be Bright Coffee is their livelihood but also the livelihood of many of their staff, who are truly incredible people as well.

Frank and Michelle La established Be Bright in 2020 with a mission of brightening people's lives and bringing joy to everyday moments. They have a daughter, Bailey, and a dog named Kobe. Frank has over 10 years of experience in coffee. He is currently the 2024 US Barista Champion and has won the 2021 US Cold Brew Championship.

Be Bright continues to serve at their coffee shop on 7311 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. But if you have the chance to contribute and help them for this tough loss, I'm sure they will be very grateful.

Rochelle Kang is managing this fundraiser on behalf of her sister-in-law Michelle La and brother-in-law Frank La.