#United States #Lexington #Bad Ass Coffee #Tom Wylie #Royal Aloha Coffee

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Elevates Leadership and Expands Facilities

In a significant move for its future growth, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has recently announced the promotion of Chief Operating Officer Tom Wylie to the position of President. This shift comes as part of the company’s strategic expansion efforts, which also include the opening of a new distribution center on the East Coast. This operational upgrade is a testament to the brand's commitment to serving its loyal customer base and enhancing its market presence.

Leadership Transition

Tom Wylie, who co-owns AWA Investments—the largest franchisee group for Bad Ass Coffee's parent company, Royal Aloha Coffee—brings over two decades of franchise management expertise to his new role. Prior to joining Bad Ass Coffee, Wylie held influential positions at notable franchises including Papa John's and Burn Boot Camp. Under his stewardship, the company is set to leverage his deep understanding of franchise operations, focused on optimizing unit-level economics and reinforcing supply chain reliability.

Wylie's recent promotion and the establishment of a robust leadership team are emblematic of Bad Ass Coffee's strategic direction. Along with Wylie, the company has appointed Iain Douglas as Chief Strategy and Brand Officer, while welcoming other key leaders into roles such as Controller, Director of Communications, and National Brand Manager, all to further enhance operational efficiency and franchisee support.

Expansion Initiatives

In the first half of 2026, Bad Ass Coffee's focus remained on building a strong foundation for future growth. They relocated their headquarters from Denver, Colorado, to Lexington, Kentucky, strategically placing the new East Coast distribution center within reach of their expanding market. This relocation not only improves supply chain consistency but also positions the brand for greater flexibility in meeting the needs of its franchise owners and customers alike.

The brand's growth trajectory has been impressive, reaching a total of 48 locations nationwide by mid-2026. This expansion is largely driven by existing franchisees reinvesting their trust in the brand, evidenced by a notable increase in multi-unit ownership, which currently stands at ten franchisees, with more planning to open additional locations. The commitment of seasoned operators to open new stores signals a promising future for Bad Ass Coffee.

“Everything we did in the first half of the year was about giving our owners a stronger business to build on,” said Wylie. “As a franchisee myself, I know consistency in supply chain and a disciplined growth strategy matter more than any single opening.”

Looking Ahead

The company is optimistic about its growth potential moving forward, forecasting 13 new locations by the end of 2026, which would elevate its total to 55 locations across the United States. This anticipated expansion aligns with Bad Ass Coffee’s continued recognition as a leading player in the competitive coffee market. The company was honored to be listed among the Inc. 5000, ranking as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and gaining accolades for community-driven initiatives like the successful “Give a Hoof” campaign.

As demand surges for unique and premium coffee experiences, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is well-positioned to capture market opportunities through its franchises, armed with experienced leadership and a reinforced operational framework. To learn more about Bad Ass Coffee and to find the nearest location, prospective customers are encouraged to visit badasscoffee.com or download their mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

About Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Founded in 1989 on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has continually provided premium Hawaiian coffees both locally and across the United States. With over 48 franchise locations, and an additional 100+ in development, they serve not only remarkable coffee but a variety of blended drinks, teas, and snacks, all delivered with exceptional service and the spirit of Aloha. The franchise aims to broaden its footprint further through various retail partnerships and grocery stores, making their products accessible to a wider audience.