Member Press Releases News & Media Posted January 19, 2026 Brewing Bold Moves: Royal Aloha Coffee Company Appoints Tom Wylie as Chief Operating Officer Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Share Owner of AWA Investments and Multi-Unit Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Franchisee Joins Executive Team Parent Company Royal Aloha Coffee Company Expands Senior Leadership to Strengthen Operations and Growth Wylie to Oversee Franchise Real Estate, Construction, and Store Openings, Driving Strategic Brand Expansion DENVER – Royal Aloha Coffee Company, the parent company to Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, today announced the appointment of Tom Wylie as Chief Operating Officer. In his role, Wylie will provide strategic oversight of real estate, site selection analysis, and the construction process to drive operational performance. Oversight in these areas will focus on establishing multiple unit level economic models by store type that drive increased profitability for franchisees, a reduction in build out costs while enhancing build out process efficiencies and investing in site selection analysis to maximize sustainability and long-term growth. Scaling Success: Tom Wylie’s Leadership in Action With over 20 years of franchise operations experience, and as a part-owner of AWA Investments, Royal Aloha’s largest investor, Tom Wylie brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii senior management team. Wylie is a successful multi-unit franchisee, consistently delivering operational excellence at scale with high-growth brands such as Papa John’s Pizza, Burn Boot Camp, and now with 4 Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii locations in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. “At Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, I believe we’re uniquely positioned at the intersection of a powerful brand story, premium Hawaiian Coffee, and a scalable growth model,” said Tom Wylie. “Our unit economics are strong – driven by efficient operations, compelling margins and a franchise system built for sustainability and profitability.” Royal Aloha Coffee Company’s Restructuring Wylie’s appointment comes as Royal Aloha Coffee Company continues to restructure its senior leadership following a strategic investment from the Board of Directors and company investors. The investment provides additional resources and personnel to support the growing needs of Bad Ass Coffee’s franchise network, including marketing, operations, and real estate and construction. The restructuring is focused on driving operational efficiencies, improving franchisee unit-level performance, and enhancing the company’s ability to scale effectively, with significant year-over-year growth anticipated. “As we continue expanding nationally, our distinct Hawaiian heritage and badass brand personality give us a real competitive advantage in capturing market share,” added Wylie. “The opportunity ahead is tremendous, and we’re focused on disciplined growth that delivers long-term value for our franchisees and our customers.” Supporting the company’s rapid growth, Royal Aloha Coffee Company is committed to adding 12 new positions by late February 2026, spanning franchise operations support, communications, brand and local store marketing, new store openings, finance, and real estate and construction project management. Guided by a differentiating “Hawaiian hospitality” mindset, the Royal Aloha Board of Directors and investors continue to prioritize supporting franchisees and driving unit-level economic growth. “The addition of Tom Wylie to our senior management team represents a significant investment by Tom and AWA Investments toward accelerating not only our growth as a brand, but also an investment in solidifying our systems and processes that enable franchisee success at every stage of the franchisee journey,” said Scott Snyder, CEO for Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. “We’re excited to welcome Tom to our ‘ohana and look forward to his contributions to our accelerated success.” Franchise Development Backed by Proven Systems and Support Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has continued its expansion with 16 new store openings in 2025 and 25-30 new store openings anticipated in 2026. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model and innovative technology, as well as a development support system, including teams and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion. Combining Hawaiian culture with responsible expansion, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers a franchise framework that supports sustainable growth and connects with today’s consumers. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking multi-unit opportunities. The brand offers an affordable, highly scalable opportunity with strong profit potential. Franchisees can expect a total investment range between $454,200 – 920,500*. As International Franchise Association VetFran members, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii offers veteran franchisees who join a $10,000 discount* off the initial franchise fee. For more information on Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise opportunities, visit badasscoffeefranchise.com or call 833-205-2224. About Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii® Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawai’i in 1989 and is dedicated to sharing premium Hawaiian coffees “with a kick” from the Hawaiian Islands through 45-plus U.S. franchise locations – with 100+ additional shops in various stages of development. Today, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii stores also serve popular blended drinks, teas, food, along with other international premium coffees and sell popular branded merchandise with exceptional service and the Aloha Spirit. Bad Ass Coffees are available in franchise stores, online and will soon be available through grocery, hospitality, and specialty retail channels. The Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brand and franchise is owned by Royal Aloha Franchise Company, LLC. For more information, visit badasscoffee.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram @badasscoffeeofhawaii. Franchise information is available at badasscoffeefranchise.com. *Source: 2025 FDD – Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii All News Franchising In The News IFA Advocacy News IFA Press Releases IFA Thought Leadership CEO Update Franchising World Articles Sponsor Spotlight IFA SmartBrief Sign Up Advertisement