By: Mokas Coffee & Eatery
As Mokas Coffee & Eatery marks its 20th year in business, the brand is entering a new phase of growth fueled by rising demand for its made-to-order breakfast and lunch offerings, freshly baked pastries, and fast-casual coffee experience. Building on two decades of momentum in its home state of Kansas, Mokas is accelerating multi-state development efforts while exploring opportunities to expand into additional high-growth communities across Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, and beyond.
From its start as a single café in 2005, Mokas has evolved into a fast-growing regional brand with five corporate-owned locations operating in Salina, Colby, three in Wichita KS, and fifteen more under development in Wichita, Kansas City, and other markets in Kansas. The company’s transition from Mokas Coffee to Mokas Coffee & Eatery in 2024 captured the full scope of what the brand has become: a space where guests can enjoy high-quality coffee and handcrafted food, made-to-order and served with care. As coffee culture continues to thrive, Mokas is well-positioned to continue its momentum to new markets across the country.
“The evolution from Mokas Coffee to Mokas Coffee & Eatery was a natural reflection of how the brand and our guests have grown together,” said Jason Ingermanson, President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery and CEO of JRI Hospitality. “From day one, Mokas has been about more than coffee; it’s about creating a welcoming space for connection and conversation. As our community’s love for fresh, made-to-order meals grew alongside our coffee offerings, the transition allowed us to fully showcase what we do best: crafting both exceptional coffee and flavorful food with care.”
Over two decades, Mokas has achieved several milestones that underscore its transformation:
- 2005: First Mokas opens in Salina, Kansas
- 2022: Launch of The Roastery, bringing coffee roasting fully in-house
- 2024: Brand refresh introduces Mokas Coffee & Eatery name and identity
- 2024: Fourth location opens and first franchisee (Christian Coleman) signs a six-unit agreement to bring Mokas to Johnson, Douglas, and Shawnee counties
- 2025: 20 years strong—two decades of growth, quality, and connection
“The past twenty years have been about creating a place where quality and community come together in every cup and every plate,” continued Ingermanson. “Now, as we look ahead at the next decade, it’s all about growth, and bringing our concept to more communities nationwide. Our foundation is strong, and we look forward to expanding while staying true to what’s gotten us this far: quality, community, and care.”
As the coffee market continues to grow rapidly, with the market expected to reach $430 billion by 2030, Mokas Coffee & Eatery is seeing increased demand for their freshly made food and beverage options. Prospective franchisees will benefit from a proven business model with streamlined operations, a technology stack designed to enhance efficiency and customer engagement, and a positive, loyalty-driven culture.
Building off this demand, the brand is looking to accelerate its regional expansion with a focused push into nearby high potential markets. The brand is targeting a mix of major metropolitan areas and strong midsized communities across Oklahoma, Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri, creating a cohesive growth corridor that builds on Mokas’ existing regional recognition.
In Oklahoma, Mokas is looking to partner with local entrepreneurs throughout the Greater Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, along with promising surrounding cities such as Bartlesville, Lawton, Ardmore, Muskogee, and Stillwater. The state’s proximity to Kansas allows Mokas to extend its established brand familiarity while tapping into communities experiencing steady population growth and increasing demand for elevated everyday dining.
Simultaneously, Mokas is expanding into Missouri with a development deal in the Kansas City metro, bringing nine units to the area. Building on this momentum, they are seeking additional local entrepreneurs to bring the brand’s handcrafted coffee and community driven dining experience to key markets including St. Louis, Springfield, and Joplin. Missouri’s strong food and beverage sector (responsible for $26.7 billion in economic output and more than 278,000 jobs in 2025, according to the National Restaurant Association) offers a compelling environment for franchise growth.
Mokas is also planning to make development strides in Arizona, focusing on areas in the Phoenix DMA such as Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert.
As Mokas Coffee & Eatery continues to expand its footprint, the brand is building on two decades of proven performance and preparing for its next chapter of growth. With a clear vision, strong community roots, and a commitment to handcrafted quality, Mokas is setting the stage for another twenty years of success.