Mokas Coffee & Eatery Signs Nine-Unit Development Deal to Expand Across Kansas City

SALINA, Kan., Aug. 26, 2026 // PRNewswire // — Mokas Coffee & Eatery has signed a nine-unit franchise development deal with Cornerstone Hospitality, led by veteran entrepreneurs Brice Turner and Jeff Bennett.

The deal includes six units across Clay and Jackson Counties on the Missouri side of the greater Kansas City market, along with three additional development units in Kansas markets outside the metro area. Those three additional units will be directed to the Kansas markets of Derby, Garden City, and Manhattan, with active site selection underway and a 2027 opening targeted as the group builds out the full nine-unit development.

Turner brings nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience to the partnership. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he founded Duty First Holdings in 2010, growing a diverse portfolio of enterprises that today includes Shocker Composites, Air Capital NDI, Grace Auto, Hornet Cutting Systems and Products, DF Commercial Properties, and, most recently, Cornerstone Hospitality.

"Our family enjoys Mokas, and it's great for connecting with others," said Turner. "Before even considering franchising, I was impressed with the food selection and quality that makes Mokas much more than just another coffee shop, as well as the diverse demographic that enjoys the brand. It's a natural fit for we look for with Cornerstone Hospitality: offering guests a welcoming setting for everything from casual social outings to family meals and business meetings."

Bennett also has an entrepreneurial background, with professional experience in construction and land development, as well as prior success launching and operating a multi-unit franchise on the East Coast. A close friend first introduced him to Mokas, and after visiting several locations he was drawn to the quality and consistency of the food and drinks, as well as the sense of community the brand fosters.

"Mokas is a unique blend of quality drinks and food that you don't see elsewhere in the marketplace, and post-COVID, people are looking for gathering spaces again," said Bennett. "Our partnership group is excited to be on the front end of an exciting new franchise concept that will serve our communities with great food and drinks, and we're looking forward to growing together."

Beyond the business opportunity, Turner and Bennett are motivated by the chance to make a broader community impact. Cornerstone Hospitality plans to give young employees, for whom a Mokas location may be their first job, a positive work environment centered on integrity, respect, accountability and teamwork. They also plan to partner with local charities that align with the company's values in each community it enters.

"Brice and Jeff's backgrounds and combined entrepreneurial experiences make them exactly the kind of franchise partner we look for," said Jason Ingermanson, CEO of JRI Hospitality and President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery. "They understand what it takes to build something meaningful in a community, and that's exactly the spirit Mokas was built on. We're thrilled to support Cornerstone Hospitality as they bring Mokas to new guests throughout the Kansas City metro."

Mokas Coffee & Eatery offers a variety of everyday favorites including in-house roasted coffee, smoothies, energy drinks, pastries, breakfast and lunch wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Each item on their menu is fresh and always prepared in-house. Mokas is part of the JRI Hospitality Group, which has been instrumental in the brand's evolution.