In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume and guest co-host Drew Alfano sit down with Jason Ingermanson, co-founder and CEO of Mokas Coffee & Eatery and founder of JRI Hospitality, to talk about building a modern coffee franchise grounded in hospitality, operations, and community.
Jason’s journey started with one Freddy’s Frozen Custard location—and scaled to 87. That kind of growth didn’t come by accident. It was the result of smart systems, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of franchising from the ground up. Now, with Mokas Coffee & Eatery, Jason’s applying those same principles to a new kind of brand—one that blends drive-thru efficiency with a full dine-in, comfort-food experience.
Unlike many coffee concepts that focus solely on beverages, Mokas was designed from day one to serve all-day breakfast, scratch-made pastries, sandwiches, and signature drinks in an inviting space. It’s a place where people come to connect—not just caffeinate. And with flexible buildout options (end-cap, ground-up, or non-traditional) and franchisee training backed by decades of operational experience, the system is built to scale.
Jason shares what makes a strong franchisee, why culture is everything, and how he’s helping develop future owners from within his team. He also breaks down what most coffee shop owners get wrong—and how Mokas is preparing to meet the next wave of consumer demand with innovations in beverages, tech, and loyalty.
With a founder who’s lived both sides of the franchise equation, Mokas isn’t just another coffee shop. It’s a hospitality-driven brand with heart, high standards, and a long-term vision.
Learn more at mokasfranchise.com.
January 19, 2026
