Rock Hill resident Doug Epperly, along with his daughter Abby, will be introducing Hawaiian coffee brand Bad Ass Coffee to the Charlotte market.
The father-daughter pair have signed a three-unit franchise deal with the coffee brand, with plans to start with a Rock Hill location.
Doug told What Now Charlotte that the partnership with Bad Ass Coffee was actually his daughter’s idea. Doug had been searching for franchise opportunities and Abby found the brand while in business school at the University of Louisville.
“She was the one who first came across Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii as a franchise brand,” Doug said. “She brought it to me, and she thought this was something we should get into.”
Doug said that once he learned more about the brand, he agreed. The spot has a unique vibe, focusing on being not just a coffee shop but also a destination with a welcoming atmosphere. Doug found the brand refreshing and different from brands that focus on drive-thru or pick-up options.
“The interesting part about coffee is the story behind it. This is obviously a very Hawaiian brand and the coffee comes from Hawaii. The name comes from the legend of the badass donkeys that carried the coffee beans off the volcanoes in Hawaii,” Doug said. “It’s all about ohana — family — and bringing people together. [And] it’s amazing coffee.”
The brand started on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989, serving premium coffee. Now, it has expanded to 15 states, serving coffee, tea and energy beverages as well as food offerings. Royal Aloha Coffee, LLC purchased the rights to the brand in 2019.
Doug and Abby are aiming to open their first location by the end of the first quarter of 2025. As of now, they have not secured an exact location but are looking to finalize a spot in the Rock Hill area soon.
After that, they plan to open the next two stores in York County in the 12-18 months following the opening of the Rock Hill location.
“Our goal is to expand well beyond the three and open up into more of the Greater Charlotte market down the road,” Doug said.
Doug has worked in supply chains for three decades. Now, he is looking forward to teaming up with his daughter to launch into a new business.
“I’ve always been a bit of an entrepreneur,” Doug said. “I’m really excited about branching out on my own and I’m really excited about building something with my daughter. And to be able to do it with such an amazing brand is just a bonus.”
