But those long stretches of travel also gave him a front-row seat to a different kind of coffee culture. Over time, what started as a simple routine of grabbing drinks on the go turned into something more meaningful, and Donny began to see a concept that could translate far beyond Alaska.
In Alaska, Donny and his family discovered small coffee shacks that seemed to be everywhere, each one built for speed but powered by personality. One stand in particular left a lasting impression because the staff treated every car like a familiar face, even during the rush. Donny remembered how the owner “always had the windows open and she always had music playing,” and how she took time to ask his wife about her transition and his daughter about learning to snowboard. Even while staying busy, “she was building connections versus just the transaction,” he recalls. That mindset became the spark for Lola Beans and its commitment to real relationships at the window.
An All-Day Brand with All-Customer Appeal
From the beginning, Lola Beans was built to be more than a traditional coffee stop. While coffee remains the foundation of the brand, Donny quickly realized that limiting the concept to espresso and morning routines would cap its potential. “We were heavy, heavy coffee when we first started, but over time, it morphed into much more than that. We’re really a beverage company.”
That shift was driven by how customers flowed through the day. Donny noticed that demand did not drop off after the morning rush, but instead changed shape as the day went on. “We sometimes do more at three and four o’clock in the afternoon,” he says, describing a steady stream of guests looking for something refreshing, energizing, or simply different from their morning routine. Recognizing those patterns helped Lola Beans expand its appeal beyond a single daypart and become a repeat destination for customers from early morning till late at night.
A major catalyst in that evolution was the brand’s partnership with Lotus Energy. Donny had observed the brand’s growth in other markets and was drawn to its plant-based positioning and loyal following. “Everybody loves their energy drink, but if you can offer a better version and a cleaner, plant-based option, people will gravitate to that.” The addition of Lotus Energy opened the door to new customers while reinforcing Lola Beans’ focus on quality.
That same philosophy extends to Lola Beans’ broader beverage partnerships. Collaborations with brands like Califia Farms and Monin support menu variety while keeping operations streamlined. These relationships allow the brand to introduce new flavors, alternative milks, and seasonal offerings without sacrificing consistency or speed at the window.
Together, these decisions helped define Lola Beans as an all-day beverage destination. By paying close attention to customer habits and refining the menu accordingly, Donny built a flexible business model that appeals to a wide range of guests and positions the brand for meaningful growth across diverse markets.
Smart Franchising with Expert Support
As Lola Beans moved from an owner-operated concept to a brand preparing for national expansion, Donny understood that franchising would require a very different level of structure and expertise. Running great locations was only part of the equation. Supporting franchise owners, building compliant systems, and laying the groundwork for responsible growth meant assembling the right professional partners. For Donny, that included aligning with Spadea Lignana.
From the outset, Donny says the experience felt organized and approachable. “Spadea made everything just very easy to navigate on the legal side of things,” he says, noting how clearly the firm guided him through the franchise disclosure process and early documentation. That clarity allowed the Lola Beans team to stay focused on operations, training, and brand development, rather than getting bogged down in legal uncertainty.
The value of the partnership with Spadea Lignana became even more apparent as the brand began structuring larger development agreements, including a transition from an initial multi unit agreement in Texas to a statewide area development structure as a defining moment. “The ease of it and the speed in which it happened was just awesome.”
Just as important was the peace of mind that comes from working with specialists. Donny emphasized that franchising is not an area where general legal experience is enough. “I’m glad I didn’t use my little local lawyer,” he says. “I’m glad I went with a law firm that focuses on franchising.” Knowing the legal foundation was sound gave his team room to think bigger.
Today, their partnership with Spadea Lignana supports Lola Beans’ broader vision for national growth. With franchising systems in place and experienced guidance behind them, Donny and his team are building a brand positioned to scale thoughtfully while staying true to its culture and values.
Building Connections in Every Market
Looking ahead, Donny is focused on growth that is intentional rather than rushed. New locations are planned, franchising systems continue to evolve, and expansion is guided by finding the right people in the right markets. “We’re going to grow at the rate at which we find amazing franchisees,” he says, emphasizing that alignment matters most as Lola Beans enters new territories.
That measured approach extends to how the brand shows up in each community it serves. For Donny, growth only works if the experience feels personal at every window. “I want people to feel like Lola Beans is their place,” he explains. “I want people to always feel welcome and happy to see us.” Maintaining that sense of familiarity is central to the brand’s long-term strategy.
Ultimately, Donny’s vision reaches beyond unit counts or maps. He is building Lola Beans to create meaningful connections, develop future leaders, and leave a positive mark on every community the brand enters, one conversation and customer at a time.
