Episode 131: Doug Willmarth with Beans and Brews Coffeehouse

The Corner Booth podcast dives into the fast-growing specialty coffee and beverage market with guest Doug Willmarth, CEO of Beans & Brews Coffeehouse. Host Chris Tripoli explores how this regional favorite evolved from a single Salt Lake City coffee shop into a thriving franchise network. Wilmarth shares his journey from early restaurant roles to leading major brands like Pizza Hut and Wingstop, offering unique insights into what drives success in the competitive coffee industry.

In this episode, listeners will learn about specialty coffee trends, including the rise of Gen Z-driven beverage innovation, cold brew popularity, and the growing demand for energy drinks and refreshers. Wilmarth explains why the coffeehouse franchise model is booming, with projections of 6–8% annual growth in the specialty beverage segment. He also discusses operational strategies, from optimizing drive-thru concepts to leveraging technology for better customer experiences while maintaining the human touch that defines hospitality.

For entrepreneurs and operators, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on franchise growth strategies, selecting the right partners, and expanding into nontraditional locations like airports and universities. Wilmarth emphasizes the importance of culture, transparency, and strong support systems in scaling a brand. Whether you’re interested in coffee franchise opportunities, restaurant leadership, or the future of the beverage industry, this episode delivers valuable insights for anyone looking to thrive in hospitality.