HTeaO Opens Seven New Stores in Q1 2026, Setting the Pace for a Strong Year Ahead

The first quarter introduced HTeaO to new communities across Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida, further building the brand's footprint in key markets across the country. More than early-year expansion, these openings reflect the pace and confidence guiding HTeaO's trajectory as it works toward another year of significant unit growth.

The complete list of new HTeaO stores opened in Q1 2026 includes:

• Conroe, TX

• Nokomis, FL

• Sevierville, TN

• Atascocita, TX

• Gun Barrel City, TX

• Claremore, OK

• Waxahachie, TX

As the brand continues to grow its store count, HTeaO is also strengthening the team behind that expansion. In Q1, the company appointed Chris Phillips as Chief Financial Officer, Jerry McClain as Vice President of Store Development, and Brian Aga as Senior Vice President of Operations. These appointments are intended to support franchisees and coordinate operations across markets.

“The first quarter set the tone for the kind of year we believe 2026 can be for HTeaO,” said Justin Howe, co-founder and CEO of HTeaO. “We came into the year focused on building with intention, and Q1 reflects that. From new store openings to key leadership hires, every step we’re taking is about supporting our franchise partners and strengthening the brand for long-term growth.”

HTeaO continued to build its beverage offerings through a steady rollout of limited-time beverages that included seasonal flavors and trend-forward options.

The year began with a seasonal Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cookie offering, launched January 5, featuring toasted pistachio, vanilla, and espresso. Later in the season, the menu added Sweet Spiced Orange Iced Tea, a bright yet nostalgic blend of black tea, natural orange flavor, and clove-inspired spice. Both launches leveraged seasonal flavor profiles.

In February, the brand introduced its Sweet & Spicy Refreshers lineup, featuring the Double Berry Refresher and Hot Honey Refresher. The beverages offered two expressions of a trend, one fruit-forward and the other with a subtle kick, each made with the brand's teas, lemonade, and CleanBoost Energy.

The quarter closed with the launch of matcha beverages, including Churro Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, and Lemon Lavender Matcha, alongside the debut of cold foam. The launch expanded the menu into a growing tea category and introduced a new layer of customization that will continue to evolve across future beverage offerings.

“One of the most exciting things about this quarter was how different each launch felt,” said Kelsey McManemin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at HTeaO. “We moved from a cozy pistachio pairing to Sweet Spiced Orange, then into sweet heat and finally matcha with cold foam. It gave guests something new to discover throughout the season and showed the kind of range we’re continuing to build into the menu.”

As HTeaO continues operations, its stated mission to “Brew Purpose” remains at the heart of its initiatives. The brand's growth is described as being driven by local franchise owners who bring the HTeaO experience to their communities, serving premium tea, filtered water, and coffee products in-store and through drive-thru service. Each location features more than 20 flavors of sweetened and unsweetened tea made from 100% natural ingredients and a proprietary water filtration system.