Can an Iowa-based drive-through brand focused on energy drinks survive? Can it take on the likes of Starbucks? Apparently the answer is yes. After building numerous stores across Iowa, the founder of Hyper Energy Bar, Chris Whalen, is expanding throughout the midwest.

Service runs in Whalen's blood. As a kid he was surrounded by hotel and restaurant operations all under the Heart of America Group brand which is father Mike Whalen started. Hyper Energy Bar, while not owned by Heart of America, is growing because of what he learned about service. It turns out, creating unique experiences have given Whalen the edge he needed to build a growing brand. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/hyper-energy-bar 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq ⚖️ Get guidance from Dentons Davis Brown: https://www.dentons.com/en/dentons-davis-brown

Chapters:00:00 - Meet Hyper Energy Bar 01:52 - Service Culture and Hiring 12:30 - Scaling Beyond Iowa 14:37 - Competition and Differentiation 15:45 - Real Estate and Co Location Strategy 20:28 - Expansion Playbook and Wrap Up