HTeaO Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments in Store Development and Operations

March 04, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // FORT WORTH, TX – HTeaO announces the appointment of two key executive leadership appointments: Jerry McClain as Vice President of Store Development and Brian Aga as Senior Vice President of Operations. These additions follow the recent appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer (Chris Phillips) and reinforce HTeaO’s commitment to building organizational infrastructure that supports disciplined, sustained expansion.

“As HTeaO continues to grow, building the right leadership team isn’t optional — it’s critical,” said Justin Howe, Co-Founder and CEO of HTeaO. “With Chris stepping in as CFO, and now Jerry and Brian joining the team, we’re strengthening the foundation of this business. That means sharpening our focus on operational excellence and being intentional about value engineering smarter, more efficient footprints that drive best-in-class unit-level economics for our franchise partners. At the same time, we’re raising the bar across the system so both new and existing franchisees are positioned for long-term success — all while delivering the consistent, fun, refreshing guest experience that defines HTeaO.”

Jerry McClain, Vice President of Store Development

McClain brings a wealth of development and entrepreneurial experience to HTeaO. Previously, he played a significant role at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, where he was part of the team that helped grow the brand from 104 units to nearly 700 nationwide, including a year in which his development team delivered 102 new restaurants. McClain also served as the founder and owner of 360 Luxury Builder, completing 42 custom short-term rental projects that created opportunities for aspiring small business owners.

As Vice President of Store Development, McClain will oversee the full development lifecycle, from real estate and design through construction and grand opening, with a focus on creating predictable, scalable processes that support franchise and operational success.

“My passion is building spaces where people can gather, connect, and enjoy something great,” said McClain. “At HTeaO, we’re creating opportunities for franchise partners to live out their entrepreneurial dreams while building places where guests can meet up, laugh, and experience the best iced tea around. With more than 40 openings projected for 2026, the Store Development team has a tremendous opportunity to drive meaningful impact for the brand and our partners.”

In his initial phase, McClain’s priorities include refining the development process from letter of intent to grand opening, strengthening transitions between real estate, design, and construction, establishing measurable KPIs, expanding general contractor and vendor partnerships, and identifying efficiencies within the prototype to help reduce costs and accelerate speed to market.

Brian Aga, Senior Vice President of Operations

Aga also joins HTeaO with extensive multi-unit operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry. Over the course of his career, he has driven operational performance, strengthened franchisee operations, built and developed high-performing field leadership teams, and led cross-functional initiatives designed to improve profitability and operational efficiency, including labor, cost control, and systems optimization.

Most recently, he spent over nine years with Denny’s in progressive leadership roles, including Vice President of Operations, where he supported large-scale franchise operations across a national footprint. Prior to Denny’s, Aga held executive leadership roles at Taco Bueno Restaurants, where he directed operational strategy for 70 units across Oklahoma and Texas and later led facilities and growth initiatives supporting 155 restaurant locations. His experience spans operational strategy, team development, budgeting, cost management, and new unit growth.

As Senior Vice President of Operations at HTeaO, Aga will oversee system-wide operational performance, develop field leadership teams, support franchisee success, and execution excellence across the HTeaO footprint.

“I’m passionate about developing people and creating systems that allow teams to perform at their best,” said Aga. “What excites me about joining HTeaO is the opportunity to support disciplined growth, ensure operational clarity, and help build an infrastructure where franchisees and operators can be set up for long-term success.”

In the near term, Aga is prioritizing listening and learning from operators and franchise partners, strengthening performance frameworks, and enhancing field support mechanisms that reinforce predictable, sustainable performance.

These appointments reflect HTeaO’s continued commitment to expanding its executive leadership team as part of a broader effort to support franchise partners, elevate operational standards, and scale with consistency across markets.

SOURCE HTeaO