Bad Ass Coffee to expand in Arizona
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii continues to expand its footprint in the Southwest.
The coffee chain, known for its premium Hawaiian coffees and themed cafés, has announced two multi-unit development agreements to open new stores in the greater Phoenix market. A five-store deal will bring locations to the Chandler and Gilbert areas during the next five years, and a three-unit agreement that will bring new stores to the Scottsdale-North Phoenix market.
"The development and opening of 11 stores in the greater Phoenix area represent a significant step forward in our Southwest growth strategy," said Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee. "We have tremendous franchise partners with vast experience, and every new location they open helps reinforce the strength of our brand. With untapped markets across Arizona, we're on the fast-track to aggressive statewide development."
With 70% of its stores operated by multi-unit operators, Bad Ass Coffee is supporting aggressive growth plans in the Southwest, Southeast, Texas and Coastal prime markets. In October, the company hired franchise veteran Greg Koffler as its chief development officer to oversee its growth.
Founded in Hawaii in 1989, Bad Ass Coffee operates more than 30 U.S. locations, where customers are served blended drinks, teas, food and more in addition to coffee. The brand and franchise are owned by Royal Aloha Franchise Company, which is based in Centennial, Col.
The five-unit development agreement that will bring locations to the Chandler/Gilbert East Valley was signed by existing franchisees Aaron and Lisa Rutter, who opened their first Bad Ass Coffee at CityScape in downtown Phoenix in January 2022. Looking to grow their portfolio, the husband-and-wife team recently acquired Bad Ass Coffee's legacy store in Tolleson, Ariz. and has already begun a full remodel of the store with a grand re-opening targeted for January 2024. The first new location is slated to open in Chandler by fall 2024.
The three-unit agreement was signed by new franchisees Don and Kate Johnson. The couple has experience in the franchise industry, owning and operating Jersey Mike’s locations in Southern California. They are on track to open their first location in the Scottsdale-North Phoenix region by late summer 2024.