Royal Aloha Coffee Company, parent company of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, today announced the appointment of Tom Wylie as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Wylie will oversee franchise real estate, site selection, construction, and store openings, supporting scalable growth and improved unit-level performance across the system.
Wylie brings more than 20 years of franchise operations experience and a proven track record as a multi-unit operator. As a part-owner of AWA Investments, Royal Aloha’s largest investor, and a multi-unit Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchisee, he offers a unique, operator-first perspective. His experience spans high-growth brands including Papa John’s Pizza and Burn Boot Camp, and he currently operates four Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii locations across Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.
“At Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, we’re uniquely positioned at the intersection of a powerful brand story, premium Hawaiian coffee, and a scalable growth model,” said Wylie. “Our strong unit economics are driven by efficient operations, compelling margins, and a franchise system built for long-term sustainability.”
Wylie’s appointment follows a strategic investment by Royal Aloha’s Board of Directors and investors and is part of a broader senior leadership restructuring focused on operational efficiencies, franchisee profitability, and disciplined national expansion. To support continued growth, the company plans to add 12 new positions by February 2026 across operations, marketing, finance, and real estate.
“The addition of Tom Wylie represents a meaningful investment in strengthening our systems and accelerating franchisee success,” said Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. “We’re excited to welcome him to our ‘ohana.”
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii opened 16 new locations in 2025 and anticipates 25–30 openings in 2026, offering franchisees a proven, scalable opportunity rooted in Hawaiian hospitality and responsible growth.