Mokas Coffee Breaks Kansas Tradition
After two decades of running only company-owned shops, Mokas Coffee & Eatery is shaking up its Kansas roots with its pioneering-ever franchise deal. Founded in Salina in 2005, the brand spent nearly 20 years building a loyal following with its coffee and comfort food across Kansas cities like Wichita and Salina. Now, it’s stepping beyond its company-owned model to launch franchises, starting in Kansas before expanding out of state.
The move breaks a longstanding tradition of keeping operations entirely local. Until now, Mokas grew steadily as part of the JRI Hospitality group, avoiding franchising even as it added breakfast menus and rebranded from a coffee shop to a fast-casual eatery. Its pioneering franchise agreement, signed with Wichita businessman Christian Coleman, grants him rights to open locations in Johnson, Douglas, and Shawnee counties—covering areas like Kansas City and Phoenix as part of its target expansion into sunnier regions. The pioneering franchise is slated for Olathe by spring 2026.
CEO Jason Ingermanson called the deal a “logical next step” toward national growth. For years, Mokas focused on blending specialty coffee—roasted in-house—with hearty breakfast foods like biscuits and gravy. Ingermanson believes combining coffee culture and casual dining fills a gap in the market, a strategy he hopes will resonate beyond Kansas. Notably, Mokas embraces artisanal brewing techniques that complement its unique offerings.
Franchisees must stick to Mokas’ quality standards to maintain its reputation for friendly service and consistency.
Before franchising, Mokas built a strong Kansas identity. Its shops became community hubs, attracting regulars with smoothies, energy drinks, and all-day breakfast. The shift to franchising aims to replicate that success elsewhere while preserving local charm. New franchise operators gain access to proprietary mobile technology including an app with rewards integration and data-driven sales analytics. Initial territories remain within Kansas, but plans hint at multi-state expansion later.
Coleman’s franchise will serve as a test case. If it thrives, Mokas could accelerate its growth, leveraging franchising to compete with national chains.
Still, Ingermanson insists the brand won’t lose its Kansas soul. “We’re rooted here,” he said, “but we’re ready to share what we’ve built.”
As Mokas brews its next chapter, fans will watch whether its homegrown appeal can scale without losing the warmth that defined its pioneering 20 years.
