Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii announces five-unit agreement for greater Tampa

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a leading coffee franchise renowned for its premium sourcing, roasting and quality 100% Hawaiian coffees and international blends, announced the signing of a multi-unit agreement that will bring five stores to the greater Tampa market by the end of Q1 2024.

According to the announcement, longtime business partners Chris Bruckner and Richard Elkhoury are heading up the development efforts under the LLC, High Caffeine Inc. The duo has been in business operations and development for over 30 years and are actively growing in central Florida, with several concepts that are looking to expand. Their portfolio includes many different operations – including gas stations, convenience stores, car washes, and quick-serve restaurants – with 18 total businesses across Florida and Boston, Massachusetts. Eager to diversify with a unique coffee concept, they decided to franchise with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii and are on track to open their first location late Q4 2022/early Q1 2023. Site selection for all five stores is well underway, targeting the greater Tampa market – including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, and Wesley Chapel.

"When looking at coffee brands, we knew we needed a competitive advantage and Bad Ass Coffee gives us just that," Bruckner said in the announcement. "With Bad Ass Coffee, we have a superior product, fun and exciting branding, and a strong connection to our Hawaiian roots that really makes us stand out in the industry. When doing our due diligence, we simply didn't see that from any other brands out there – Bad Ass Coffee is different and a brand we can truly grow with. We are very active in the communities we operate in and as a resident of Trinity, the greater Tampa market is ideal for our development."

"As one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the country, we're very excited to have such a strong franchise partner like High Caffeine to open up the Tampa market," Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, said in the announcement. "Chris and Richard impressed us with their knowledge of the market as well as their diversified retail operations experience. We believe it will be a mutually beneficial partnership that will only accelerate our aggressive multi-unit development and growth plans."

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989. In addition to premium coffee from the famous Kona region of the Big Island, Bad Ass Coffee also sources from Kauai, Maui and Moloka'i. Beyond premium Hawaiian coffees, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii also serves up a full menu of popular blended drinks, signature lattes, cold brews, teas, innovative foods with a Hawaiian twist, and branded merchandise.