Donny Bradley is the founder and CEO of Lola Beans, a fast-growing drive-through beverage brand based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
An Air Force kid who moved frequently, Donny developed an early appreciation for genuine hospitality — the kind of welcome that makes people feel safe, seen, and valued.
Donny has been in the medical device industry for over 25 years, and while working for a six-month stent in Soldotna, Alaska with his family, a spark for the idea of Lola Beans was born. Donny became inspired by the small, relationship-driven coffee huts he visited there, where service felt personal rather than transactional. That experience shaped the core philosophy behind the brand.
In 2020, Donny opened the first Lola Beans after converting a small property he owned in Chattanooga, followed by a second high-volume dual-lane location in 2022 located in Cleveland, TN.
Guided by leadership influences like Truett Cathy and Nick Saban, Donny emphasizes culture, coaching, and hiring for hospitality as the foundation of scalable growth. Under his direction, Lola Beans began franchising in 2025 and has already attracted experienced multi-unit operators.
Donny continues to lead the brand with a people-first philosophy, aiming to create “good energy” for guests and meaningful opportunities for team members as Lola Beans expands nationwide.
