Lakewood, Colorado, Kentucky · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Owned by Royal Aloha Coffee, LLCRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Origin / region level

TagsBad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Kentucky coffee roasters Hawaii Owned by Royal Aloha Coffee, LLC Origin / region level Roasts in-house

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Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is a national coffee franchise that specializes in premium Hawaiian-grown beans and island-inspired coffee drinks. The brand combines a playful, adventurous identity with a commitment to serving high-quality coffee in a relaxed, hospitality-focused environment. It has grown significantly through a franchise model that emphasizes its unique heritage and connection to the Kona coffee industry.

Corporate ownership disclosure

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is owned by Royal Aloha Coffee, LLC

Royal Aloha Coffee, LLC purchased the rights to the brand in 2019. Following the acquisition, the company launched a brand refresh in 2020 that included updated logos, packaging, and store designs to support national franchise expansion.

Ultimate owner: a mid-size coffee group

Ownership is disclosed when documented. Corporate parents can shape sourcing and independence claims. Public sources were researched as of 2026-10-22.

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Ownership

Founded

1989

Roasting

Reported to roast in-house.

What it's known for

The brand is known for its Hawaiian-themed coffee shops and its focus on premium 100% Kona coffee and other Hawaiian-grown beans. It is also recognized for its unique branding, which pays homage to the donkeys of the Kona Coast that historically transported coffee beans.

Sourcing countries

United States (Hawaii) · Various international origins

Farm-level sourcing

The brand sources 100% Hawaiian coffee from regions including Kona, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Moloka'i, and Ka'u. While they emphasize partnerships with local Hawaiian farmers, they do not consistently publish specific farm or producer names for their offerings. Their coffee menu includes both 100% Hawaiian single-origin coffees and various international blends.

Notable coffees

— 100% Kona Coffee
— Hana Bliss (flavored blend)
— Volcanic Roast (signature dark roast blend)

In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-10-23 · Fast Casual

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii moves franchise system onto single tech platform

The coffee chain is consolidating its technology infrastructure to help franchisees scale more efficiently. The brand currently operates over 48 U.S. locations with more than 100 additional shops in development.

2026-10-21 · PAR Technology

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Builds Its Franchise Future with PAR Technology

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has partnered with PAR Technology to implement a unified point-of-sale and technology stack across its franchise system. This move is intended to streamline operations and support the brand's ongoing national expansion efforts.

2026-09-25 · Denver Gazette

Bad Ass Coffee moves HQ from Denver to Kentucky

Following the closure of its first Colorado location in Denver, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has officially relocated its corporate headquarters from Denver to Lexington, Kentucky. The company is shifting its focus toward East Coast growth and diversifying its retail footprint with nontraditional formats like kiosks and airport locations.

2026-09-24 · PR Newswire

Allen Stanczak Of Bad Ass Coffee Of Hawaii Named Ifa Franchisee Of The Year

The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Florida-based multi-unit owner Allen Stanczak as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. The award recognizes his business excellence and contributions to his local community.

2026-09-23 · World Coffee Portal

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii makes key corporate changes to fuel US growth

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has promoted Tom Wylie to president and relocated its corporate headquarters from Denver to Lexington, Kentucky. The company also opened a new East Coast distribution center to support its growing network of 48 stores.

2026-09-22 · PR Newswire

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Elevates COO Tom Wylie to President, Opens East Coast Distribution Center and Headquarters

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has promoted COO Tom Wylie to the role of President and established a new headquarters and distribution center in Lexington, Kentucky. This strategic move is designed to bolster the brand's supply chain and support its ongoing expansion across the East Coast.

2026-06-03 · PR Newswire

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Kicks Growth into High Gear Through Southeast and Nontraditional Expansion

The brand announced an aggressive expansion strategy focusing on the East Coast and nontraditional retail footprints. This initiative aims to increase the company's presence through both traditional cafe development and alternative locations.

2026-05-15 · The Denver Post

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii closes Speer Blvd. location

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has closed its inaugural Denver location on Speer Boulevard, which had been operating since 2021. The closure marks a contraction of the brand's presence in the Colorado market.

Sources used in this deep dive

Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-22. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the brand claims to roast its own coffee, it was not possible to verify if every individual franchise location roasts on-site or if roasting is centralized at a corporate facility.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

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