Through this partnership, Braemont will provide capital and operational support to help position the Company for accelerated innovation, expansion and service.

Royal Cup was established upon a tradition of family leadership and customer-first values. Over the years, the company’s management has guided its growth and evolution, expanding its reach while staying true to commitment and service.

This partnership builds upon Royal Cup’s foundation and marks the next step in its journey. The Royal Cup leadership team will continue to execute the company’s vision, delivering its “National Scale, Local Touch, GOLD Standard” across the United States.

“For nearly 130 years, Royal Cup has been dedicated to serving our customers, our communities and our people with excellence,” said Chip Wann, CEO of Royal Cup Coffee & Tea. “This partnership with Braemont allows us to build upon that legacy – bringing fresh perspectives, new resources and shared expertise to help us reach even greater heights, while keeping our values, legacy and traditions at the heart of everything we do.”

With additional capital, Royal Cup plans to expand its roasting and distribution capabilities, strengthen partnerships across the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and convenience sectors and continue delivering exceptional coffee, tea and beverage solution experiences nationwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with Royal Cup, a brand whose reputation for quality, community and leadership speaks for itself,” said Wali Bacdayan, Partner at Braemont Capital. “Braemont invests to build alongside our partners. We look forward to supporting the Royal Cup team’s operational initiatives as they continue to grow, and for the opportunities ahead to leverage our team’s route-based distribution experience and Entrepreneur and Family Office Network for the benefit of Royal Cup’s customers, employees, suppliers and our investors.”

This partnership represents the next chapter in Royal Cup’s story – one rooted in passion, excellence and the promise of delivering quality in each cup.

Stephens Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Royal Cup, Inc. Cascadia Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to Braemont Capital.

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Starting today, the new straws will be introduced in Tims stores across Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. With this rollout, Tims China aims to encourage consumers to make small, everyday choices that collectively support a more sustainable future.

Turning emissions into materials: CCU Technology in action

Over recent months, Tims China has collaborated with Tencent’s CarbonXmade program and Suzhou Kunshen Biodegradable New Material Co., Ltd. to develop the straw.

The straw is produced using Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU) technology, which captures industrial CO₂ emissions and converts them into PPC polyols. After chemical modification, these are processed into PPC-TPU, a CO₂-based biodegradable material. The material is then pelletized and formed—through heating, precision extrusion, and cooling—into straws that meet uniform product standards, including Chinese regulatory requirements.

Importantly, the straws have the same tactile feel as traditional PLA straws and are biodegradable. Certification by global testing provider Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) shows that every 100 straws contain 3.185 grams of captured and stored CO₂—turning what was once a climate burden into material with an improved life-cycle performance.

A low-carbon fashion showcase

The launch event took the form of a “low-carbon fashion show,” featuring designs created by students and faculty from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute using the novel straws.

The pieces incorporated coffee-inspired brown tones and took cues from flowing dance costumes, using bold fan-shaped structures and abstract geometric elements to express movement. Matching accessories—such as crowns, brooches, chokers, and handbags—also used the straw as a central design feature, demonstrating sustainability through creativity.

Unusually, the models were not dressed by professionals but by team members directly involved in the straw’s development, including engineers from the production line and Tims store workers. Their participation added originality and made them effective ambassadors for the product.

Ongoing commitment to sustainability

Tims China continues to proactively pursue its sustainability goals. Following the launch of its “Bring Your Own Cup — Save RMB 8” initiative, the introduction of the carbon-captured straw marks another step forward toward a more sustainable future.

The company has also opened a “Green Innovation Lab Store” in Shenzhen, centered around the concept of coffee-ground recycling. The store uses composite boards made from coffee grounds and straw fibers throughout its seating, wall décor, condiment stations, and booth areas—making circular design a visible part of the retail experience.

Globally, Tim Hortons promotes responsible sourcing through its “Coffee for Communities” program, which provides training and support to coffee farmers to improve livelihoods, enhance sustainability, and elevate coffee quality. By 2023, the program had provided direct support to more than 18,000 farmers (https://www.rbi.com/sustainability/planet/responsible-sourcing/coffee/).

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Starbucks Canada supports Breakfast Club of Canada through holiday hunger campaign

Starbucks Canada is joining forces with Breakfast Club of Canada this holiday season to fight hunger nationwide. Starbucks has pledged to donate two school meals for every Grilled Cheese on Sourdough sold in company operated coffeehouses between December 2, 2025 and January 5, 2026.

Over 23,000 coffeehouses in more than 30 Starbucks markets around the world are participating in the hunger relief campaign with a goal of donating up to 12 million meals to children facing hunger globally.

“No child in Canada should ever have to start their day hungry,” said Lori Digulla, general manager, Starbucks Canada. “Our role as a community coffeehouse is about more than what we serve – it’s about showing up for the neighbourhoods we’re part of. By working with organizations like Breakfast Club of Canada, we can help strengthen school nutrition programs that support children every single day. When Canadians choose a grilled cheese this season, they’re also choosing to make a meaningful difference for kids in their own communities.”

Starbucks partnership with Breakfast Club of Canada builds on its long-term commitment to reducing hunger and improving food security in Canadian communities. Through initiatives including Starbucks FoodShare and the Starbucks Capacity Grants, the company donates unsold food to local food rescue organizations nationwide and supports investments in food recovery infrastructure and community-led solutions to address long-term food insecurity. As the community coffeehouse, Starbucks is committed to bringing partners, customers, and local organizations together across Canada to help ensure that more children start their school day nourished and ready to learn.

“We are thankful for Starbucks’ support,” said Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Contributions like this help us ensure that more children across the country have access to a nutritious breakfast and a positive start to their day.”

Starbucks has pledged to donate the value of two school meals* to support programs that feed kids around the world through the World Food Programme (WFP) – the global organization part of the United Nations that will distribute meals to international markets through their global school meals program – and in Canada through Breakfast Club of Canada. WFP is the world’s largest provider of school meals, reaching more than 20 million children in countries every year. In the classroom, school meals provide children with essential nutrition to stay healthy and focus on their lessons. Outside of the classroom, school meal programs lift children, families and entire communities out of extreme poverty by providing a market for farmers’ produce and creating jobs.

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“As we continue to scale Happy Belly through an asset-light franchising model, extending Smile Tiger’s footprint in Ontario is a natural next step,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly.

“This agreement brings Smile Tiger’s committed development pipeline to 45 units – 25 in British Columbia and now 20 in Ontario – while increasing Happy Belly’s total contracted units in development across all brands to 646. It’s a strong validation of Smile Tiger’s potential as an expanding quick service beverage brand as it starts to expand its footprint across Canada.”

Smile Tiger’s in-house roasting capabilities, combined with its consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and white-label offerings, position the brand as a platform asset that can support both its own retail growth and broader coffee needs across the Happy Belly portfolio.

As the Smile Tiger footprint expands in British Columbia and Ontario, Happy Belly intends to further integrate the brand into its existing breakfast, lunch, and dinner concepts, creating cross-selling opportunities and incremental revenue streams.

We are just getting started,” said Sean Black.

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Collectible favourites: For the Tims collector in your life, this year’s collection includes a Horton the Bear-themed ornament, snow globe, and ceramic mug.

Festive drinkware: For on-the-go Tims fans, choose from a glossy shimmer stainless steel travel mug for hot beverages, or a dual wall plastic straw tumbler for iced and cold drinks. A bear-shaped Timbits® tray designed to hold and share up to 50 Timbits is a must-have for holiday gatherings.

Stocking stuffers for all: Spread joy with a Beary Kind 500-piece holiday puzzle, cozy bear-themed socks, and a toy truck. Plus, the Apple Fritter candle is back! Select Tims restaurants will also have a fresh pine forest scented candle and Zamboni hockey card holder available for purchase.

“Shopping for a holiday gift during a Tims Run has become an annual tradition for so many of our guests. We’re so pleased to offer such a joyful collection of holiday gift ideas to celebrate the season,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.

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Both Nestlé and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. The Swiss multinational could also decide to sell the cafés (around 100 locations in the United States and Asia) while retaining the intellectual property rights to the brand in order to continue selling Blue Bottle-branded products, such as ground coffee and various accessories.

Analysts say this move is part of Nestlé’s new strategy, relaunched by the company’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil (formerly CEO of Nespresso), which aims to streamline the company’s portfolio by focusing on scalable, global brands rather than niche assets.

This approach includes the strategic review of certain vitamin supplement brands and the overhauling of the mineral water division, which includes the Perrier and San Pellegrino brands.

Blue Bottle was acquired eight years ago to capture the rapidly growing specialty coffee market, as a brand to complement Nescafé and Nespresso. Its sale would generate cash to reinvest in the core coffee business.

Bleu Bottle Coffee was established in 2002 in Oakland by James Freeman and opened its first store in San Francisco in 2005.

The company’s name is inspired by a famous historic Viennese café (Hof zur Blauen Flasche) founded in 1683 by Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, a hero of the Battle of Vienna.

News of the potential sale of Blue Bottle comes just weeks after rumours emerged that Coca-Cola might sell Costa Coffee.

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With thriving locations already established in San Clemente, Huntington Beach, and San Diego with a new flagship outpost location in the legendary Basham’s Surf Shop (home of Lost Surfboards), Sur Coffee is rapidly becoming the go-to alternative for locals tired of the “fast food” coffee experience.

“The expansion is not just about opening doors; it is a declaration that the era of impersonal, automated coffee service is ending. Sur Coffee is proving that a local brand can scale without losing its soul,” says the company.

“We aren’t just selling caffeine; we are rebuilding the local gathering spot with a sense of belonging that the big chains have abandoned,” says Mark Bell, Founder and CEO of Sur Coffee. “While the corporate giants are focused on drive-thru times and mobile order algorithms, we are focused on knowing your name and serving a cup of coffee that actually supports the farmer who grew it. We’re expanding because Southern California is asking for an alternative—they want a coffee shop that feels like home, not a factory.”

Unlike major chains that rely on automated machines and dark-roasted commodity beans, Sur Coffee controls every step of the process. From direct-trade partnerships with farmers in regions like Guatemala and Ethiopia to small-batch roasting in Southern California, the difference is palpable in the cup. The brand’s “Doing Good” initiative ensures that a portion of proceeds supports local and global non-profits, including clean water projects and youth mentorship programs—a stark contrast to the corporate model.

As Sur Coffee continues to scout new locations along the coast, the message is clear: the convenience of the big chains can no longer compete with the quality and community of a true local roaster. With a loyal following of surfers, locals, and coffee purists, Sur Coffee is poised to redefine the Southern California coffee landscape, one neighborhood at a time.

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The new location will follow the successful model of Orlando Cat Café, offering visitors the chance to sip coffee while socializing with adoptable cats in a relaxing, cage-free environment. The café partners with local animal rescues to help facilitate cat adoptions, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that benefits both guests and furry friends in need of loving homes.

“We are beyond excited to bring Orlando Cat Café’s unique experience to the Dallas area,” said Sandra Cagan, Founder of Orlando Cat Café. “Expanding through franchising allows us to reach more communities, giving more people the chance to enjoy time with cats while supporting animal welfare. This first franchise sale is just the beginning of our mission to bring joy to both humans and cats across the country.”

Set to open next year, the Dallas area location will feature a welcoming café space serving high-quality coffee, tea, and snacks, alongside a dedicated cat lounge where visitors can interact with friendly, adoptable felines. Guests will be able to book reservations in advance, making it a perfect spot for locals and tourists looking for a memorable and heartwarming experience.

The Orlando Cat Café franchise model was designed for passionate entrepreneurs looking to combine a love of animals with a thriving business opportunity. By partnering with local shelters, franchisees play a key role in promoting cat adoptions while running a fun and profitable café.

“This new location represents our commitment to expanding the Orlando Cat Café brand in a way that is both sustainable and mission-driven,” added Sandra “We believe this will be the first of many franchise locations as we continue to grow and create positive experiences for cat lovers everywhere.”

The Dallas area location is ideally positioned to attract both residents and visitors to the Lonestar State and is expected to become a must-visit destination for cat enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Orlando Cat Café first opened its doors in 2016 in Clermont, Florida, and has since become a beloved establishment for locals and tourists. The café has helped facilitate the adoption of thousands of cats and has become a model for combining hospitality with animal rescue efforts.

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The recognition celebrates the brand’s commitment to excellence in professional development and career growth opportunities, competitive pay, benefits and perks, employer culture, flexibility in scheduling, and, of course, free and discounted Scooter’s Coffee drinks.

“At Scooter’s Coffee, we foster a culture of growth and care for our employees because it’s the amazing people that truly set us apart from any other QSR brand,” Mikala Friedrich, chief human resource and systems officer at Scooter’s Coffee, said.

“When employees take pride in where they work and feel supported by their employer, ultimately, this trickles down to the customer experience and helps ensure that we create an amazing experience with every visit.”

Building on this recognition, Lacey Navarrete, vice president of human resources, at Scooter’s Coffee, will join a panel of speakers from fellow awardees for a webinar hosted by QSR on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. CT. The webinar will discuss topics like building a culture of engagement, sharing best practices on training and development, and how to become an employer of choice.

The Scooter’s Coffee network includes more than 890 locations nationwide, nearly all of which are owned and operated by franchisees, along with six distribution centers and the brand’s Corporate Support Center offices headquartered in Omaha, Neb. It was the second-largest brand recognized by QSR, demonstrating that the brand has continued to focus on excellence in employee experience even as the company has grown, and one of only three specialty coffee companies recognized.

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Available in a custom dozen box beginning Saturday, Nov. 29 for a limited time at participating shops across the U.S., the Krispy Kreme x Peanuts Collection features three all-new doughnuts, each inspired by the beloved world of Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz – along with two returning fan favorites:

• NEW Snoopy Cookies & Kreme Doughnut – a Snoopy-shaped doughnut filled with Cookies & Kreme filling, dipped in vanilla flavored icing, and decorated with a Snoopy face.
• NEW Charlie Brown Ornament Doughnut – a shell doughnut filled with brownie batter flavored filling, dipped in yellow vanilla flavored icing, and topped with a chocolate flavored buttercreme zig-zag and ornament hook.
• NEW Christmas Wreath Doughnut – an Original Glazed® doughnut-topped with a buttercreme flavored green swirl, yellow nonpareil sprinkles, and a Snoopy and Woodstock sugar piece.
• Santa Belly Doughnut – a returning holiday favorite! An unglazed shell doughnut filled with White Kreme filling, decorated with a chocolate flavored buttercreme Santa belt and topped with a Santa buckle sugar piece.
• Holiday Sprinkle Doughnut – an Original Glazed® doughnut dipped in chocolate icing with festive sprinkles is back.

“Just like Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, our new holiday collection will bring joy, sweetness and a little extra happiness to all,” said Alison Holder, Chief Brand and Product Officer for Krispy Kreme.

“Peanuts has brought joy to fans during the holiday season for decades,” said Scott Shillet, Vice President, Global Licensing for Peanuts. “As we celebrate Peanuts’ 75th anniversary this year, we look to collaborate with partners like Krispy Kreme to continue that tradition for fans of all ages.”

Additionally, on Dec. 12 only, Krispy Kreme will continue to spread holiday cheer with the return of its annual 12/12 “Day of the Dozens,” offering guests a $1 Original Glazed® dozen when they purchase any dozen at regular price in shop, drive-thru, or online for pick-up or delivery.

The Krispy Kreme x Peanuts Collection is available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s app and website. Guests can also enjoy some of the doughnuts in the collection in a Krispy Kreme six-pack delivered to select retailers. Visit krispykreme.com/locate/location-search#grocery to find a U.S. shop or retailer near you.

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