Lola Beans Expands to Delaware in Family Franchise Deal
Drive-thru beverage chain Lola Beans has signed a six-unit franchise agreement to expand into Delaware, led by the founder's brother and sister-in-law
Lola Beans has signed a six-unit franchise agreement to expand into Delaware. The deal is with founder Donny Bradley's brother, Jay Bradley, and Jay's wife, Beth.
For founder Donny Bradley, this franchise deal is more personal than most. It brings the drive-thru beverage brand back to Delaware, where he and his brother grew up while their father was stationed at Dover Air Force Base. Jay Bradley has continued to call Delaware home, and his wife, Beth, was born and raised there. Eight years ago, Jay and Beth moved five miles north, right over the line from the Delaware border to Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Being a stone's throw away, they will always call Delaware home.
A Family Affair
This deal marks a new chapter for two brothers who have watched each other build careers, families and now, businesses. Both found careers in the medical industry, with Donny previously working in medical device sales and Jay currently serving as a National Trainer for a spine biologics company.
Jay Bradley says he has had a front-row seat to Lola Beans from the beginning. He expressed admiration for the positive and fun concept Donny and Missy built, centered on improving people's days. He added that watching their journey was inspiring.
Donny Bradley echoed the sentiment, noting the special significance of family believing in the business enough to join it. He said his brother understands the hard work involved and that the decision to bring Lola Beans to Delaware means a great deal.
For Jay, bringing Lola Beans to Delaware is an opportunity to build something meaningful alongside his wife in a community they already know and love. Together, they plan to grow the concept throughout the state, bringing the same sense of connection, energy and community they have watched Donny and Missy build in Tennessee.
Brand Origins and Inspiration
The concept for Lola Beans was inspired by a family stay in Soldotna, Alaska, in 2014. While there for Donny's job in medical device sales, he and his wife, Missy, became regulars at local drive-thru coffee huts. They were struck by the genuine connection and how a quick interaction could improve someone's day. That experience eventually became the inspiration for Lola Beans.
Donny and Missy Bradley opened the first Lola Beans in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2020. A second company-owned location followed in Cleveland, Tennessee. Today, they continue to invest in the concept themselves, with additional corporate growth planned in Tennessee alongside the brand's franchise expansion.
Growth Strategy
The Delaware agreement represents the latest step in the brand's growth. It aims to carry Lola Beans's focus on good energy, genuine connection and community into a new state while returning to where the Bradley brothers' story began.
