Bad Ass Coffee plans Gulf Coast growth
A growing coffee chain is bolstering its presence in a coastal market.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is set to open a new store in Gulf Shores, Ala., in early June as part of a 10-unit agreement for the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida Panhandle. With three locations currently open in the region, the multi-unit development spans the Gulf of Mexico Shoreline between Gulf Shores, Ala., and Panama City Beach, Fla.
The new agreement comes as the company continues to add new stores across the country. It anticipates 25 to 30 new store openings this year, driven by multi-unit partnerships.
“The announcement and opening of the new Gulf Shores location this summer is an exciting and strategic westward extension of the brand’s expansion plans along the coastal communities of the southeast, and further demonstrates the brand’s ability to adapt its business model to meet the unique demands of a ‘destination location,’” said Scott Snyder, founder & chief growth officer of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. “The brand is fortunate to have such a strong partner in AWA to ensure the success and consistent delivery of Bad Ass Coffee’s ‘Hawaiian Hospitality’ along the Flora-Bama coast.”
Behind the new Gulf Shores location is AWA Investments, a multi-unit, multi-brand franchising group. Currently operating five stores in Nashville, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Pensacola Beach, Fla.; Miramar Beach, Fla.; and Orange Beach, Ala., the group will continue to play a “crucial role” in establishing the brand’s nationwide footprint, according to Bad Ass Coffee.
“As we strengthen our partnership with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, expanding in the Southeast was a natural next step,” said Tom Wylie, co-owner of AWA Investments. “Gulf Shores offers strong year-round traffic and a tight-knit beach community, making it an ideal market to introduce the Aloha spirit and build long-term momentum for the brand.”
Founded in 1989, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii operates more than 45 locations nationwide with more than 100 in various stages of development.
