Operations

Sunfly hoping to outmaneuver fast casual beverage competitors in North Texas

Fork Hospitality co-founders Matt Bailey and John Brennan are on a mission to open 50 locations within five years.

Photo: Sunfly

October 14, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

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Aiming to capitalize on the soaring consumer demand for elevated drive-thru beverages, Fork Hospitality co-founders Matt Bailey and John Brennan have launched Sunfly, a tropical beverage concept engineered specifically for quick-turn drive-thru conversions.

Positioned between premium coffee houses and specialty beverage bars, Sunfly combines craft cocktail precision with speed, house-made pastries, and functional add-ins — with its debut location now open at 4740 S. Colony Blvd. in The Colony, Texas, and a second unit already slated for Frisco, Texas, next month.

Bridging the Gap between craft cocktail culture and convenience

Rather than positioning itself as a traditional smoothie shop or coffee chain, Sunfly occupies a unique niche in the fast-growing specialty beverage market.

"We're not a smoothie shop or a coffee chain. Sunfly is a daily mini-vacation," Bailey said in an interview with FastCasual. "Our recipes are specced, measured, and balanced like a craft cocktail bar so a guest's favorite order tastes the same every time. Speed is our format, but fast service should never feel rushed."

Drawing from years of experience operating full-service, chef-driven kitchens and craft beverage programs, the team designed Sunfly's lineup with high standards for execution, consistency, and operational throughput.

Flavor-forward, functional, from scratch

The menu pairs tropical flair with everyday accessibility, combining bar- and bakery-caliber ingredients with drive-thru convenience for around $10. They include:

Nitro Lemonades & Matcha Clouds: Offerings like Strawberry Basil Nitro Lemonade and Banana Brulée Matcha Clouds topped with house-made fruit cold foam.
Java Clouds & Hydration Lines: Nitro cold brews such as Blondie Mudslide, alongside Hydro Quenchers (natural coconut water electrolytes) and Glow Ups (aloe water tonics).
Dirty Pop Lineup: Sunfly's custom take on dirty sodas, built from scratch using cane sugar syrups in an Italian soda style—no soda guns or dispensers—topped with fruit cold foams, boba, and freeze-dried fruit.
Functional Add-Ins: Customization with functional boosts including collagen, lion's mane, protein, prebiotic fiber, and natural electrolytes.
House-Baked Pastries & Savory Bites: Baked fresh daily with house-made glazes, including cinnamon buns, scones, and cookies, alongside savory breakfast wraps, chicken wraps, and house-toasted crunchy snacks.

Strategic real estate, future expansion

Sunfly is leveraging a lean, conversion-centric real estate strategy to scale efficiently across Texas and beyond.

"We're starting in North Texas, with a goal of 10 locations across DFW. We'll grow by converting purpose-built drive-thrus, not by building from scratch," Bailey said. "In five years we could have 50 or more!"

While current growth remains focused on company-owned units to solidify the operational model, the co-founders maintain an open outlook toward franchising opportunities down the road.

Digital tech, engagement

Sunfly's operational footprint centers around drive-thru lanes and walk-up windows, supported by digital menu boards, online ordering and its digital loyalty program, the Cabana Club.

To drive launch awareness, Sunfly is debuting a 15-week Cabana Club promotional series featuring limited-edition weekly giveaways tied to signature drinks across TikTok and Instagram (@sunflysips).

"Anyone who wants a little lift in their day — commuters, parents, students, the after-school crowd — is who we built this for," Bailey said. "Gen Z is a big part of it, but we've designed the menu for everyone, including a dedicated Kids Sips menu."

Operations

About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is Publisher of FastCasual.com and Vice President of Connect Food. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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