Backed by JRI Hospitality, the world’s largest Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers franchisee, the Kansas-based coffee chain is expanding through multi-unit franchise agreements as it strengthens its presence across the Midwest.
Mokas Coffee & Eatery is accelerating its US expansion through a 15-unit franchise development pipeline across Kansas and Missouri, marking a significant step in the brand’s transition towards a broader franchise-led growth model.
The Kansas-based coffee and eatery concept, owned by JRI Hospitality, has secured two multi-unit franchise agreements covering territories across the Kansas City metropolitan area and other parts of Kansas.
The latest agreement is a nine-unit development deal with Cornerstone Hospitality, led by Brice Turner and Jeff Bennett. The agreement covers six locations across Clay and Jackson counties in Missouri, alongside three restaurants in Kansas, targeting Derby, Garden City and Manhattan. The franchise partners are targeting their first openings in 2027.
The deal follows an earlier six-unit franchise agreement with Christian Coleman, Founder and President of Midwest Restaurant Group. His development territory includes Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties in Kansas. The partnership reached its first milestone in September 2026 with the opening of Mokas’ first franchise-operated restaurant in Olathe, Kansas. Five additional locations are planned under the agreement.
Founded in Salina, Kansas, in 2005, Mokas spent nearly two decades building its coffee and food business before moving into franchising. The brand’s expansion is supported by parent company JRI Hospitality, which has extensive experience in multi-unit restaurant operations.
JRI Hospitality is the largest franchisee of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, operating more than 130 restaurants across multiple US states. The group is led by Jason Ingermanson and has developed a substantial portfolio in the restaurant sector.
Mokas also benefits from the involvement of Scott Redler, Co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, who joined the business in 2024 to help establish its franchise platform. Redler played a key role in scaling Freddy’s to more than 400 restaurants across 36 states before selling his majority interest in 2021. He subsequently helped shape Mokas’ franchise strategy and support infrastructure.
The brand operates a coffee-led menu spanning speciality coffee, cold brews, smoothies, energy drinks and an all-day food offering that includes breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads. It also has its own coffee-roasting facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mokas’ franchise model incorporates dine-in, drive-thru, takeaway, delivery and catering, providing franchisees with multiple operating and revenue channels. According to the company’s franchise information, the estimated initial investment ranges from US$945,000 to US$2.4 million. Prospective franchisees are expected to have a minimum net worth of US$1 million and at least US$500,000 in liquid capital.
With 15 franchise locations committed through its first two development partnerships, Mokas is establishing a regional expansion strategy built around experienced multi-unit operators. Kansas and Missouri remain its immediate growth priorities as the company develops its franchise network.
