Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the current municipal approval status for the Glendale location. A previous version included outdated zoning information from earlier in the planning process.
Milwaukee is bracing for a fresh jolt of caffeine as Fayetteville, Arkansas–based 7 Brew Coffee lines up three new drive-thru stands in the greater metro area. The fast-growing chain is targeting one approved site in Glendale and two inside the city, with company officials saying the stands are expected to open in early 2026. Local reporting indicates the Glendale location alone could generate roughly 50 local jobs. The planned sites are 5265 N. Port Washington Road in Glendale, plus 350 W. Layton Ave. and 3702 S. 27th St. in Milwaukee.
Rapid Growth and a Dessert-Style Menu
7 Brew pitches itself as a high-customization, drive-thru-first brand, touting more than 20,000 possible drink combinations that lean hard into dessert territory. Think crème brûlée and funnel-cake macchiatos alongside energy drinks and smoothies, according to 7 Brew. Company officials also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the chain now operates more than 650 stands nationwide, a footprint that has expanded quickly over the last few years. That sprawling menu and a modular stand design help the brand roll out multiple sites in short order.
Where the New Stands Will Go
Two of the new builds are slated for inside Milwaukee’s city limits: a south-side stand at 3702 S. 27th St. and a Layton Avenue location at 350 W. Layton Ave., near Mitchell Airport, according to Urban Milwaukee. The outlet also reports that plans for the Layton parcel call for a compact 530-square-foot drinks building, a separate 250-square-foot cooler and double drive-thru lanes as part of the proposed setup. Both Milwaukee sites follow the chain’s familiar walk-up and drive-thru model, built to keep cars moving and drinks flowing.
Operators, Hiring and Where to Apply
The local franchise push is being driven by MilBrew Holdings, with Milwaukee native Tommy Pennington leading the effort, according to BizTimes. The company says each new stand typically staffs dozens of workers, and WTMJ reported the 27th Street site alone is expected to employ about 50 people. Local hiring information and application links are posted by the regional franchise group, and 7 Brew MKE lists current openings along with contact details for applicants.
Glendale Location Moves Forward
Following the municipal planning process, 7 Brew has secured approval for its Glendale location at 5265 N. Port Washington Road. The company told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the Glendale stand will be a significant local employer, adding about 50 jobs to the area. Local reporting notes openings could begin as soon as spring 2026.
For residents eyeing a job in the drive-thru lane, the chain’s locations page and the regional franchise site carry the latest updates and application links. 7 Brew and the local operator’s site are the best places to find current job postings and contact information as construction progresses.
