Food & Beverage

Beverage innovation comes to drive-thru and delivery

In this two-part series, we highlight two emerging businesses, Sunfly and CoffeeNow, as the next wave of beverage-brand startups. Up first, how Sunfly is taking a craft-cocktail approach to its line of tropical-inspired beverages, served through drive-thru and walk-up windows.

Photo: Sunfly

October 22, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

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As QSR's expand their beverage offerings, new pop-ups of drive-thru only and delivery concepts are beginning to emerge, a testament to how beverages are expanding day-part options and becoming the center of customer focus.

In Dallas, former bartenders turned entrepreneurs Matt Bailey and John Brennan have launched Sunfly, a tropical beverage concept engineered specifically for quick-turn drive-thru conversions. Their company, Fork Hospitality, has positioned itself between premium coffee houses and specialty beverage bars.

Their first concept, Sunfly, combines craft cocktail precision with speed, house-made pastries, and functional add-ins — with its debut location now open in The Colony, Texas, and a second unit already slated for Frisco, Texas, next month.

Bridging the gap between craft and convenience

Rather than positioning itself as a traditional smoothie shop or coffee chain, Sunfly occupies a unique niche in the fast-growing specialty beverage market.

"Sunfly is a daily mini-vacation," Bailey said in an interview with FastCasual.com. "Our recipes are specced, measured, and balanced like a craft cocktail bar so a guest's favorite order tastes the same every time. Speed is our format, but fast service should never feel rushed."

Drawing from years of experience operating full-service, chef-driven kitchens and craft beverage programs, the team designed Sunfly's lineup with high standards for execution, consistency, and operational throughput. Their menu changes with the time of day and even their ice is a well-executed large ball in certain beverages, to reduce melting so the drink stays within its flavor integrity, Brennan said.

Flavor-forward and functional

The menu pairs tropical flair with everyday accessibility, combining bar- and bakery-caliber ingredients with drive-thru convenience for around $10. They include:

Nitro Lemonades & Matcha Clouds: Offerings like Strawberry Basil Nitro Lemonade and Banana Brulée Matcha Clouds topped with house-made fruit cold foam.
Java Clouds & Hydration Lines: Nitro cold brews such as Blondie Mudslide, alongside Hydro Quenchers (natural coconut water electrolytes) and Glow Ups (aloe water tonics).
Dirty Pop Lineup: Sunfly's custom take on dirty sodas, built from scratch using cane sugar syrups in an Italian soda style—no soda guns or dispensers—topped with fruit cold foams, boba, and freeze-dried fruit.
Functional Add-Ins: Customization with functional boosts including collagen, lion's mane, protein, prebiotic fiber, and natural electrolytes.
House-Baked Pastries & Savory Bites: Baked fresh daily with house-made glazes, including cinnamon buns, scones, and cookies, alongside savory breakfast wraps, chicken wraps, and house-toasted crunchy snacks.

Strategic expansion

Sunfly is leveraging a lean, conversion-centric real estate strategy to scale efficiently across Texas and beyond.

"We're starting in North Texas, with a goal of 10 locations across DFW. We'll grow by converting purpose-built drive-thrus, not by building from scratch," Bailey said. "In five years we could have 50 or more."

While current growth remains focused on company-owned units to solidify the operational model, the co-founders maintain an open outlook toward franchising opportunities down the road.

Digital tech, engagement

Sunfly's operational footprint centers around drive-thru lanes and walk-up windows, supported by digital menu boards, online ordering and its digital loyalty program, the Cabana Club.

To drive launch awareness, Sunfly is debuting a 15-week Cabana Club promotional series featuring limited-edition weekly giveaways tied to signature drinks across TikTok and Instagram (@sunflysips).

"Anyone who wants a little lift in their day — commuters, parents, students, the after-school crowd — is who we built this for," Bailey said. "Gen Z is a big part of it, but we've designed the menu for everyone, including a dedicated Kids Sips menu."

About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is Publisher of FastCasual.com and Vice President of Connect Food. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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