HTeaO gets new CEO to stay ahead of the competition

New exec has a strong track record of delivering QSR outlet growth across the US as HTeaO gears up to harness soaring demand for iced beverages – but it’s not alone

Whether espresso-based beverages, refreshers or energy drinks, the iced US category is booming. With its range of fruit-flavoured refreshers, colourful iced teas, milky iced coffee and matcha, Texas-based HTeaO is in a prime position to meet soaring demand for flavoured cold drinks.

Founded in 2009 in Amarillo, Texas, by Justin Howe, Gary Hutchens and Kim Hutchins, HTeaO started as an extension of Buns Over Texas restaurant under the name Texas Tea. The founders spun off HTeaO as a separate franchise group in 2018, and the iced tea business now operates 180 outlets across 11 states.

In April 2026, Texas-based private equity firms Crux Capital and Trive Capital took a majority stake in HTeaO.