Video

Maui Wowi CEO: Sky's the limit for brand's growth

The coffee/specialty beverage brand just launched an online store for guests who want to have its products shipped to them.

June 23, 2014

Mike Weinberger, CEO of Maui Wowi, said his company has 50 new locations set to open this year and, after that, the "sky's the limit." The coffee/specialty beverage brand will grow "conservatively; the right way," with "quality franchisees," he said.

There are now 450 franchised locations in the U.S., and the brand also has a presence in six countries. It imports coffee from the Hawaiian islands and roasts it on the "mainland," before shipping it to franchisees. The company also recently launched an online store where guests can have coffee shipped to them directly.

Weinberger also said that he appreciates that the healthy beverage trend has accelerated in recent years.

"I appreciate that people are serving healthier products now. We've been doing it for a long time. Eighty percent of our smoothies have no fat at all," he said. "We want to be a healthy alternative to fast food."