Christian Coleman to Lead Mokas Coffee & Eatery’s Midwest Franchise Expansion

Coleman launched his career in professional tennis, beginning at the prestigious BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where he oversaw VIP operations, sponsorships, and hospitality for one of the world’s largest tournaments. He later made history as the youngest professional Tournament Director in tennis, an experience that sharpened his ability to deliver world-class guest experiences.

“I’ve always been driven to create experiences that bring people together,” said Coleman. “Mokas stood out because it offers the best of both worlds—a specialty coffee shop and an eatery. That combination is rare in this space and a real advantage for franchise owners.”

Coleman is also the Founder & President of Midwest Restaurant Group and brings a diverse entrepreneurial background to the hospitality space. He co-founded Sunnyland Kansas Farm, an 80-acre organic farm, and developed a 20,000-square-foot industrial hemp drying facility in Newton, Kansas, where he designed the world’s first high-producing, zero-waste hemp dryer/separator.

“What impressed me most was the Mokas leadership team’s dedication to building a strong brand and delivering an exceptional guest experience,” Coleman added. “I’m excited to join the team and bring that same focus on quality, collaboration, and community to my locations.”

Coleman has secured development rights across the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, and Topeka. Each of his six locations will prioritize community engagement, with plans to partner with schools, sports leagues, and local organizations.

“Christian embodies the entrepreneurial, hospitality-driven mindset we look for in franchisees,” said Jason Ingermanson, President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery and CEO of JRI Hospitality. “Signing our first franchisee ahead of our 20th anniversary is a historic milestone for Mokas, and Christian sets the standard for how we’ll grow across the Midwest.”

Established in 2005, Mokas Coffee & Eatery offers a variety of everyday favorites including in-house roasted coffee, smoothies, energy drinks, and pastries to breakfast and lunch wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Each item on their menu is fresh and always prepared in-house.