HTeaO Appoints Chris Phillips as Chief Financial Officer

February 09, 2026 // Franchising.com // FORT WORTH, TX – HTeaO today announced the appointment of Chris Phillips as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Phillips will oversee the company’s finance, accounting, information technology, and strategic planning functions.

Phillips brings more than two decades of experience leading finance and strategy for highly franchised, multi-brand restaurant organizations. His background includes senior leadership roles with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, where he was part of the executive team that supported the brand’s $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, and Darden Restaurants, where he led finance and strategy initiatives tied to large-scale growth and acquisition activity.

“I’m excited to join HTeaO at such a pivotal time,” said Phillips. “The brand has built incredible momentum, a deeply engaged franchise system, and a loyal and growing customer base. What stood out to me immediately was the opportunity ahead to help strengthen the financial foundation of the business while partnering closely with franchisees and leadership to support smart, sustainable growth. This is a brand with a long runway, and I’m energized by what we can build together.”

As CFO, Phillips will oversee finance, accounting, strategic planning, and information technology, with a focus on strengthening financial and technology infrastructure, driving insights that support franchisee profitability, and partnering cross-functionally to execute HTeaO’s long-term growth strategy as the brand scales nationally.

“Chris brings the rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on operational experience,” said Justin Howe, co-founder and CEO of HTeaO. “He understands what it takes to grow a franchise brand the right way, with discipline, transparency, and a strong partnership mindset. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue investing in our franchisees, our people, and the future of HTeaO.”

Phillips is known for building high-performing teams and scalable systems across finance, analytics, supply chain, and technology. His appointment underscores HTeaO’s continued investment in leadership that supports long-term value creation.

SOURCE HTeaO

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