You may not immediately associate a classically trained chef with a coffeehouse, but for Chef Becca McIntyre, her work at Beans & Brews Coffee House is always percolating. As the brand’s Vice President of Culinary and Supply Chain, McIntyre is proving that creativity and strategy can blend as smoothly as the perfect cup of coffee.
Since joining the brand earlier this year, McIntyre has been a driving force behind a wave of innovation that serves customers with delicious beverages and proves to be a growth driver for franchise owners. Just months into her new role, McIntyre spearheaded the launch of a new cold brew lineup that doubled systemwide sales, demonstrating the power of flavor innovation done right.
This is McIntyre’s secret recipe. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she has dual degrees in Culinary Arts and Business from Johnson & Wales University, which has uniquely positioned her to brew the perfect recipe that combines both flavor and franchise operations.
Innovation Meets Tradition
But this is a balancing act.
Beans & Brews Coffee House is a brand with decades of loyal customers. Born and brewed in Utah’s Salt Lake Mountain Valley, it’s best known as the Home of High-Altitude Roasting™. This is their signature process that roasts the coffee beans at the lowest possible temperature for the shortest amount of time to capture the essence of its mountain origins, delivering a smoother, more intense flavor.
“Chef Becca,” as she’s fondly referred to, has struck a balance embracing the special history of Beans & Brews while artfully curating new products that resonate with the growing Gen Z crowd who are inspired by social media trends.
“You can’t chase the new by alienating the old,” McIntyre explained. “Our goal is to create new experiences that invite curiosity and excitement while staying true to what people already love about Beans & Brews. It’s about evolution, not replacement.”
One of her latest creations is the Dubai Chocolate Frappe, a limited-edition beverage inspired by a viral international trend that brings the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and pistachio to the coffee category for the first time. It’s a perfect example of how Beans & Brews stays relevant by paying attention to emerging tastes and cultural moments, then makes it their own.
This fall, while competitors were bringing back tried and true pumpkin inspired drinks, McIntyre embraced nostalgia and added a modern twist for those with a discerning palate. Drinks like the Pumpkin White Mocha, Pumpkin Shaken Espresso, Pecan Pie Latte, and returning favorite Pumpkin Pie Fritalia captured the cozy spirit of the season while offering variety for guests looking for something new.
Attracting New Audiences Without Losing Loyal Ones
McIntyre’s work is part of a larger strategic focus for Beans & Brews: attracting younger audiences, particularly Gen Z consumers, while continuing to please their loyal customer base. All generations value both flavor and function, and McIntyre’s innovations hit that sweet spot.
The brand’s new protein coffee lineup, unveiled weeks before some competitors, features flavors like Power Vanilla, Buff Mr. B’s, Caramel Charger, and Mighty Matcha. These beverages cater to customers who are looking for drinks that are both tasty and functional. As typical, Chef Becca went through an experimental process and chose a flavor profile that utilized a creamy, dairy-based protein milk rather than protein powders, which tended to not mix as effectively.
“I wanted to get this right,” said McIntyre. “Sometimes these new innovations take days and weeks to perfect, but I won’t put out a product with the Beans & Brews name on it, if it’s not amazing. Our guests deserve the best.”
Culinary Vision That Fuels Growth
McIntyre’s impact isn’t limited to the beverage counter. She also oversees supply chain management, ensuring that every new product is supported by efficient sourcing, smart vendor partnerships, and consistent quality. This dual focus on creativity and cost control helps franchise owners protect margins while maintaining the premium experience Beans & Brews is known for.
“Chef Becca brings the perfect combination of culinary creativity, operational discipline, and leadership,” said Doug Willmarth, CEO of Beans & Brews Coffee House. “Her work is already improving our menu and boosting unit-level profitability. With her expertise, we’re building on Beans & Brews’ foundation of great quality and creating innovative systems that support our next phase of growth.”
For Beans & Brews, that growth is strategic; expanding in the mountain west, maintaining the warm coffee house community while providing the modern nuances that today’s consumer wants.
“Innovation isn’t just about what’s in the cup,” McIntyre said. “It’s about creating opportunities for connection, for growth, and for our franchise owners to succeed. Every drink we introduce is a chance to build momentum and delight someone new.”