Florida Operator Signs 20-Unit Deal with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Marquee Coffee LLC has just signed the largest franchise development deal in the history of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. The agreement will see the franchisee open 20 of the brand’s units along the Florida Gulf Coast.

“Since my first visit to one of the original Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii locations in Olde Naples, I knew this was hands down the best coffee and coffee experience around,” said Ardel McKenna, a Marquee Coffee LLC partner. “Coffee became an integral part of my routine early in my career while on the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade – that combined with my knowledge of the Florida real estate market made for an easy decision to become a franchisee.”

McKenna, who is originally from Chicago, visited Naples regularly for three decades before moving there permanently in 2016. He has experience in southwest Florida development and formed Marquee Coffee LLC with two other partners specifically for this growth opportunity with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii.

Marquee Coffee plans to open all 20 stores over the next seven years between Bradenton and Naples, and over to Marco Island. McKenna and his team are now looking at sites in the greater Naples and Fort Myers Beach areas for their first locations to open in 2023.

“We’re in the process of rebuilding southwest Florida after the result of Hurricane Ian, and now Bad Ass Coffee gets to be a part of that,” said McKenna. “Whether locals and tourists are looking for a quick cup of joe or somewhere to hang out and stay while – Bad Ass Coffee delivers both.”