Drive-Thru Coffee Boom: 7 Brew Expands to 500+ Locations
New industry findings show drive-thru coffee concepts racing across the U.S., with 7 Brew growing from roughly 14 locations in early 2022 to more than 500 by October 2025. The rapid roll-out, fueled by fresh capital, franchise and development deals, and modular building methods, matters for consumers, independent cafes, and local planners as traffic, competition, and app-based ordering reshape the market.
Industry analysis released January 5, 2026 highlighted a sharp acceleration in drive-thru coffee growth across the United States, putting 7 Brew at the center of the trend. Data from location analytics show 7 Brew expanded from around 14 locations at the start of 2022 to more than 500 by October 2025, a pace that transformed a small regional concept into a national footprint in under four years.
The brand's expansion has been enabled by a combination of financial backing, franchise and development agreements, and construction strategies geared for speed. A notable investment in 2024 provided capital that opened doors for aggressive site build-outs, while modular building approaches allowed rapid deployment of new units. At the same time, franchise and development agreements have distributed expansion risk and given operators local control over new sites.
Those new locations are not just numbers. Visit data show per-location traffic has been growing as well, suggesting consumer adoption kept pace with the build-out. The rise of app-based ordering and loyalty programs has been part of the backdrop, shifting purchase behavior toward drive-thru and mobile channels and lowering friction for repeat visits.
These dynamics sit alongside competitive moves from other chains that are also pursuing aggressive growth and menu development. Major regional players focused on drive-thru formats and expanded beverage menus have intensified competition for customers and sites, increasing pressure on independent cafes that rely on in-store service.
For consumers, the expansion means more convenience and more choices on the commute, with greater availability of loyalty apps and contactless ordering. For independent coffee shops, the shift toward drive-thru and modular locations raises questions about differentiation, customer experience, and potential impacts on foot traffic in dense retail corridors. Local governments and planners may see increased demand for curb access, parking, and traffic management around new drive-thru sites.
Community members looking to respond can focus on practical steps: emphasize in-store experiences that drive-thru formats cannot replicate, experiment with app-enabled loyalty for convenience, and engage with planners on traffic mitigation where new sites are proposed. Franchise opportunities created by the roll-out may also interest local entrepreneurs seeking to enter the coffee space, though aspiring operators should evaluate capital needs and development timelines carefully.
The rapid spread of drive-thru coffee marks a notable shift in how Americans buy coffee. As expansion continues, the balance between convenience, competition, and community impact will shape local coffee scenes in the months and years ahead.
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