A new drive-thru coffee stand is headed for Rotterdam, with 7 Brew confirming plans to take over the former Johnny C's Pizza and Family Restaurant site at 1821 Altamont Avenue. The Arkansas-based chain says it hopes to open the location in early 2027, though no specific date has been locked in yet, and the project is expected to bring around 75 jobs to the local market.
The future stand was dropped Friday, November 6, at the former pizza shop's location, according to NEWS10, which reported that Johnny C's closed back in May. 7 Brew is known nationally as a beverage-only chain, and NEWS10 notes the company reportedly offers more than 20,000 flavor combinations across its coffee, energy drink, soda, tea, lemonade and shake lineup.
A Bigger Development Once on the Table
The Rotterdam site has been eyed for more than just a coffee stand. An earlier report from the Daily Gazette described a project application submitted by Ridgeback Hospitality, LLC, to the Planning Commission on Oct. 21, proposing a 2,400-square-foot quick-serve restaurant alongside a 531-square-foot coffee shop, both with drive-throughs, spanning the block that includes 1809-1813 and 1821 Altamont Avenue and 1660 Elizabeth Street. At the time of that report, the newspaper said nothing had been finalized or approved and the proposal was still undergoing environmental review.
It's unclear whether that broader footprint, which the Daily Gazette's account linked to a possible Chipotle component, remains the current plan for the site. The coffee stand itself is the piece NEWS10 has now confirmed is moving forward, with the company targeting an early 2027 opening.
Capital Region Footprint Keeps Growing
Rotterdam is only the latest stop in 7 Brew's regional push. The chain began expanding into the Capital Region in 2023 and has since opened stands in Colonie, Schenectady, Queensbury and North Greenbush, with additional locations in the works in Guilderland, Clifton Park and Hudson, per the same NEWS10 report.
For comparison, when 7 Brew announced its North Greenbush stand, the company said it hoped to open sometime that summer without naming an exact date, and said that location would soon begin hiring for 50 jobs. The Rotterdam projection of about 75 jobs would be a larger local hiring push than that earlier Rensselaer County opening.
A Chain on a Rapid National Run
The Rotterdam project fits into a much larger national growth story for 7 Brew. According to QSR Magazine, the chain expanded by a net 281 restaurants in 2025 alone, following net additions of 141 in 2024 and 140 in 2023, and now operates more than 700 stands across 38 states. The trade publication also reported that 7 Brew has 437 new franchised outlets projected for 2026, though that figure represents planned gross development rather than confirmed completed openings.
7 Brew's sales performance has also drawn attention industry-wide. QSR Magazine reported that among 320 locations open for a full year, average annual sales hit $2.658 million with median sales of $2.569 million — figures the outlet compared to roughly $1.9 million for Starbucks and $2.16 million for Dutch Bros.
Those interested in joining what the chain calls its Brew Crew can apply online ahead of the Rotterdam stand's eventual opening.
