Dine Growth Group Adds HTeaO to Portfolio of Restaurant Brands

Culture-first franchise sales organization to help fuel iced tea concept's next stage of expansion

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dine Growth Group (DGG), a franchise sales organization designed exclusively to support the growth of restaurant brands, is partnering with HTeaO to accelerate the iced tea concept's expansion as the brand opens new states and markets for franchise development. Approaching 200 locations across 11 states, the rapidly-expanding brand now joins East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy's Sliders in the DGG portfolio.

Forming Partnerships with Purpose

HTeaO will benefit from the strong veteran team behind DGG, including:

• Chief Development Officer Carrie Evans, former Vice President of Franchise Development for Chicken Salad Chick
  
  
• Sam G. Ballas, founder and CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill, Chair of the International Franchise Association Board of Directors
  
  
• Gregory Ballas, former Vice President of Real Estate and Unit Level Development and current franchise owner for East Coast Wings + Grill
  
  
• Brad, Zack and Jake Fishman, part of the family behind Fishman PR. Brad was recently elected to serve a three-year term on the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors and was previously chair of its Supplier Forum Advisory Board.
  
  
• Sammy Gianopoulos, Co-Founder of Sammy's Sliders, International Food Manufactures Association national Silver Plate award winner

Together, they bring decades of knowledge and relationships across the franchise community, giving HTeaO broader visibility among the experienced operators best positioned to grow the brand.

DGG takes a hands-on, boutique approach to franchise sales. Throughout her career, Evans has built her approach around culture and compatibility, and has woven that philosophy into the DGG business model. Working as an extension of each partner's own staff, DGG focuses on finding franchisees whose values truly align with their mission.

"At Dine Growth Group, we're intentional about who we work with, and feel very fortunate HTeaO chose us to support their next chapter of growth," said Evans. "From our earliest conversations, it was clear they share the values we prioritize: operational excellence, disciplined growth and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences. What made this especially exciting was getting to know the people behind HTeaO, from the leadership and support team to the franchise partners who embody their culture and commitment to their communities."

Efficiency Backed by Experience

For franchisees, HTeaO's competitive appeal is rooted in a streamlined operating system. Its focused menu relies on a handful of core ingredients, and a largely self-service in-store model helps minimize labor costs. Guests mix and match teas to create their own flavors, and those creations help shape limited-time offerings that reflect evolving consumer tastes.

"I've seen firsthand what the right development partner can do for a brand, and HTeaO has the fundamentals to make the most of it," said Sam Ballas. "It's exactly the kind of model multi-unit franchisees look for when they're adding to their portfolios, and it sits naturally alongside East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy's Sliders in the DGG family. Between our brands and the network we've built over the years, the synergy is clear."

For more on Dine Growth Group, visit LinkedIn - Dine Growth Group and dinegrowthgroup.com.  For more information on franchising with HTeaO, visit hteaofranchise.com. 

ABOUT DINE GROWTH GROUP
Founded in 2024, Dine Growth Group is a trusted franchise sales organization created exclusively to support the growth of restaurant brands. With proven success in both large and emerging food concepts, Dine Growth Group aims to provide the strategic guidance, support and resources needed to help franchises not only grow, but thrive in today's competitive landscape. For more information about Dine Growth Group, visit LinkedIn - Dine Growth Group and dinegrowthgroup.com.

ABOUT HTeaO
Founded in Texas, HTeaO has grown from a regional favorite into one of the nation's fastest-growing beverage franchises, carving out a distinct position in the increasingly competitive beverage category. Known for its signature tea bar featuring more than 25 flavors of freshly brewed sweetened and unsweetened iced tea, the brand offers guests the freedom to customize their beverages while providing the convenience of drive-thru service. With a growing national footprint and a loyal customer following, HTeaO continues to attract interest from experienced franchise operators looking to capitalize on consumer demand for specialty beverages.

SOURCE Dine Growth Group