HTeaO has announced the appointment of two key executives to its leadership team as the franchise prepares for a significant increase in its national footprint. Jerry McClain joins the organisation as Vice President of Store Development, and Brian Aga has been named Senior Vice President of Operations. These hires follow the recent appointment of Chris Phillips as Chief Financial Officer, signalling a concerted effort by the brand to build the organisational infrastructure necessary for sustained, disciplined growth.

The leadership expansion comes at a pivotal time for the iced tea franchise. With more than 40 new store openings projected for 2026 and consistent double-digit growth, the brand is focusing on leadership that can provide support to franchise partners while maintaining brand consistency across new markets.

Strategic Infrastructure and Unit Economics

According to HTeaO Co-Founder and CEO Justin Howe, the addition of McClain and Aga is intended to sharpen the brand’s focus on operational excellence and unit-level economics. The company aims to value-engineer more efficient store footprints that drive better financial results for franchisees while ensuring a consistent guest experience.

By strengthening the executive foundation, HTeaO intends to raise performance standards across its entire system, positioning both new and existing franchise partners for long-term scalability.

Optimising the Store Development Lifecycle

Jerry McClain enters the role of Vice President of Store Development with a background in large-scale restaurant expansion. McClain previously contributed to the growth of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, assisting in the brand’s expansion from 104 units to nearly 700. In his new capacity at HTeaO, he will oversee the entire development process, including real estate acquisition, design, construction, and grand openings.

McClain’s primary objectives include:

• Refining the development timeline from letter of intent to store opening.

• Improving transitions between real estate, design, and construction phases.

• Establishing measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for development.

• Expanding vendor and general contractor partnerships to support scaling.

• Identifying prototype efficiencies to reduce costs and accelerate market entry.

Enhancing System-Wide Operational Performance

Brian Aga joins HTeaO as Senior Vice President of Operations, bringing extensive multi-unit leadership experience from established brands. Aga recently served as Vice President of Operations for Denny’s, where he supported large-scale franchise operations on a national level. His previous experience also includes executive roles at Taco Bueno Restaurants, where he managed operational strategies and facility growth.

In his new role, Aga is tasked with overseeing system-wide performance and developing field leadership teams to support franchisee success. His immediate priorities involve:

• Strengthening operational performance frameworks.

• Enhancing field support mechanisms to ensure predictable performance.

• Implementing systems to improve labour management and cost control.

• Collaborating with operators to identify opportunities for system optimisation.

These appointments reflect a broader strategic initiative by HTeaO to elevate its operational standards and ensure that its growth remains consistent as it enters new markets across the United States.