Bad Ass Coffee CEO Tells the Brand's Badass Story

Scott Snyder has steered Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii from a quiet brand into an industry force, blending authentic Hawaiian coffee culture with a modern approach to coffee. From his early career in healthcare and hardware to leading a coffee revolution, Scott’s journey is an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. He opens up about relaunching the brand during the pandemic—on none other than Friday the 13th—and how that bold decision has paid off. Now with stores across the mainland, Bad Ass Coffee is rapidly expanding with a focus on authenticity and community, epitomized by its Hawaiian roots.

Scott explains how Bad Ass Coffee stands out in the ultra-competitive coffee landscape by offering premium, third-wave quality coffee in a way that feels approachable to a wide audience. Whether it's through their "Mana" energy drink or signature Hawaiian blends, the brand stays true to its mission of delivering aloha with every cup.

Key Takeaways

• Scott shares how the relaunch in March 2020 was a turning point for Bad Ass Coffee, highlighting the importance of staying true to its Hawaiian heritage while embracing a forward-thinking business strategy.
• Scott delves into Bad Ass Coffee’s focus on creating a two-and-a-half wave experience, blending third-wave quality with a diverse, approachable menu designed for a variety of tastes and day parts.
• Jimmy and Scott discuss the power of local franchisees, with Scott emphasizing how franchisees help maintain a personalized experience that larger, corporate coffee brands often lack.
• Scott explains the success of Bad Ass Coffee’s subscription services, describing them as a key growth area as consumers increasingly value convenience without sacrificing quality.
• In the "Talking Back" segment, Scott asks Jimmy and Schatzy about their go-to coffee shops and how those experiences shape their expectations for a great cup of joe.
• Breaking News! Bad Ass Coffee is set to open its first New Jersey location in Hackensack next month, marking a significant milestone in its expansion plan.
• The brand’s first-ever franchisee convention will be held in Denver next month, aimed at building alignment across its growing network of franchisees.

Jimmy and Schatzy also enjoy some lighthearted moments, including their favorite segment “Branded Quick-Fire,” where Scott weighs in on trends like TikTok-inspired drinks, coffee subscriptions, and plant-based milk alternatives.

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

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