The landscape of drive-thru coffee in the Phoenix area is poised for an energizing jolt as 7 Brew coffee chain, established in Arkansas in 2017, aims to expand its presence with multiple locations throughout the region. This new chain, anchored in the fast-moving service model akin to the likes of Dutch Bros., puts forth a distinct setup featuring a two-lane drive-thru designed for a frictionless customer experience, as detailed in a report from AZCentral.
The expansion through a deal with Encore Restaurants LLC into the Phoenix market capitalizes on a drive-thru coffee trend that has surged in recent years. Encore Restaurants, formally known for operating Five Guys locations until 2022, introduced its newly minted subsidiary, Encore 7 Brew LLC, which will oversee the construction and launch of new 7 Brew outlets. 7 Brew’s CEO, John Davidson, in his assurance of Encore’s capabilities, noted, "7 Brew is on a strong growth trajectory, and we have every confidence entrusting Encore 7 Brew’s seasoned leadership to advance our mission of redefining the drive-thru beverage experience," in a statement obtained by the Phoenix Business Journal. The company's entry into Arizona is seen as a strategic move, aiming to provide employment for more than 4,700 individuals in the Phoenix area.
The growth of this up-and-coming brand is not going unnoticed. In the previous year, 7 Brew was named "Breakout Brand of the Year" by QSR Magazine. Apart from the strategic franchise partnerships, CFO Nicole Megan Miller cites the brand’s physical allure as a significant growth contributor: "It is a glass building that lights up with a blue light at night. This is gorgeous. It feels good to work inside. It’s not a closed structure," she proclaimed. With 295 stores already in its portfolio across 31 states, the brand combines aesthetics with speed, capped by a mantra that promotes "cultivating kindness and joy with every drink," as stated by AZ Central.
7 Brew offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, smoothies, shakes, and sodas, along with friendly, personalized customer service. In February 2024, the brand received a major investment from Blackstone to expand nationally. Their new drive-thru locations in Phoenix align with a growing trend of curbside and pick-up coffee orders, which have surged by 5,380% since 2019. Even after the pandemic, drive-thru and app coffee sales are up 30%. This shows that 7 Brew’s timing is great, despite competition from brands like Dutch Bros, as per Phoenix Business Journal.
