The Phoenix area is set to experience a surge in drive-thru coffee options as 7 Brew, a coffee chain founded in Arkansas in 2017, plans to expand with multiple new locations.
Known for its quick service model similar to Dutch Bros, 7 Brew features a two-lane drive-thru designed to streamline the customer experience. This expansion into Phoenix is part of a deal with Encore Restaurants LLC, a company previously known for operating Five Guys locations until 2022. Encore has since launched a subsidiary, Encore 7 Brew LLC, to manage the rollout of 7 Brew stores in the region.
In a statement, 7 Brew CEO John Davidson expressed confidence in Encore’s leadership, saying, “We have every confidence entrusting Encore 7 Brew’s seasoned leadership to advance our mission of redefining the drive-thru beverage experience.” Davidson also emphasized the company’s goal of providing jobs for more than 4,700 people in Phoenix.
7 Brew’s expansion comes after being named “Breakout Brand of the Year” by QSR Magazine in 2023. With 295 locations across 31 states, the chain has become known for its mix of fast service and a unique, inviting design. The stores feature glass buildings illuminated with blue lights at night, creating a visually appealing environment for both customers and staff.
The brand’s wide range of offerings includes coffee, teas, smoothies, shakes, and sodas, paired with a focus on personalized service. CFO Nicole Megan Miller points to the store design as a key factor in the brand’s growth, stating, “It’s a glass building that lights up with a blue light at night. This is gorgeous. It feels good to work inside.”
In February 2024, 7 Brew secured a significant investment from Blackstone to further fuel its national expansion. The drive-thru coffee market is booming, with curbside and pick-up orders increasing by over 5,000% since 2019, and sales continuing to rise 30% year-over-year. Despite competition from established chains like Dutch Bros, 7 Brew’s growth shows that its timing is perfect.
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