Veteran Operators Sign With HB Protein Smoothies

Jim and Brandon Lovelace, Ed Holmes, and Chris Phillips signed a deal with HB Protein Smoothies to open stores in Boise, Idaho, Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon. They are seasoned multi-unit, multi-brand operators with 120-plus locations across multiple brands, including Papa Murphy's and Crumbl Cookies.

The signing adds three new territories to a fast-growing map that already includes Gilbert, Arizona, California, Florida, and British Columbia, Canada.

"Papa Murphy's brings us together," Phillips said. "My family is the longest-tenured franchisee in the system. My dad started back in '81, so he was one of the first. The Lovelaces are the largest Papa Murphy's franchisee."

Having maximized their current territories, the group set its sights on a new opportunity. From early conversations with HB founders Daniel and Ethan Boone, it became clear this was a brand they wanted to be a part of.

"We've evaluated countless opportunities, and I feel like HB Protein Smoothies stood out because it combines what every great brand needs. That's a great product, a clear mission, and outstanding people behind it," Phillips said.

"Health and wellness have always been the heartbeat of this brand. Finding partners who genuinely believe in that mission, not just the business opportunity, is everything to us," Daniel Boone said.

The group doesn't plan to stop at three markets. Phillips said the team is already looking at additional territories.

"For us, these initial stores are not the finish line, but it's just the beginning for us," he said. "Hopefully, that lives to be true, and we can continue to expand with HB and create a long-term partnership."