Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is set to expand its presence in the US state of Kentucky with a signed agreement in Louisville for three units – a significant step in the brand’s growth strategy.
The first is set to open its doors in early 2026.
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The Louisville expansion is led by husband and wife Daniel and Nicole Lenhardt, who aim to create an alternative space for coffee enthusiasts in the city.
Daniel Lenhardt said: “When we began our franchising journey, we did a lot of research across a wide variety of industries, but once we stepped into a Bad Ass Coffee, we immediately knew this was the partnership for us.
“Louisville is a foodie community, and the locals here are very knowledgeable about their food and coffee, so in bringing Bad Ass Coffee to the city we know we’re meeting that demand for high-quality food and beverages.”
Their European café experiences have inspired them to partner with Bad Ass Coffee.
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By GlobalDataThe couple is currently selecting the ideal site for their first location.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii CEO Scott Snyder added: “We’re not only excited to welcome Daniel and Nicole to our ‘ohana [family, or extended social network], but thrilled with their choice of the Louisville, Kentucky market as it continues to provide a natural extension of the Bad Ass Coffee brand presence already established in Lexington, Kentucky, and represents another strategic step forward toward a nationwide footprint.”
Bad Ass Coffee sources premium coffee beans from Hawaii’s Kona region, as well as Kauai and Maui.
Its offerings extend beyond Hawaiian coffees, including a variety of blended drinks, cold brews, signature lattes, teas and food items with a Hawaiian twist, alongside branded merchandise.
In April 2025, Bad Ass Coffee signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to expand its presence in Colorado, with the first outlet in Boulder scheduled to open in August 2025, followed by additional locations in Lakewood and Castle Rock.
