One of Florida’s newest drive-thru coffee franchises recently staged a building drop in front of Town & Country Shopping Center in Port Charlotte. A giant crane hoisted a small building, which was delivered on a semitruck, onto a concrete slab that will be the home of 7 Brew Coffee in March.
An exact opening date for the franchise with more than 300 locations across the U.S. has yet to be announced. The company is hiring baristas for the location at 4265 Tamiami Trail that will add 50 jobs to Charlotte County.
“Our customers are never going to talk through a microphone. Our servers will come to your window to take your order,” said Mitch Stutler, director of Florida stand operations for 7 Brew Coffee.
Although there will be outdoor seating, those seeking to simply order and drive away won’t have to queue up at the window. Servers will retrieve the orders and drop them off at customers’ cars.
7 Brew Coffee features more than 20,000 drink combinations in addition to a special menu, Stutler said. Coffees, teas, smoothies, energy drinks, milkshakes and sparkling waters can be customized with dozens of syrup flavors and sauces.
In addition to regular milk, oat, almond and coconut milks are available.
The brand seeks to build community relationships with local businesses, schools and hospitals and plans to hand out 10,000 free drinks prior to the grand opening on or around March 31.
“The best way to introduce the brand is to meet people face to face,” Stutler said.
“We’re OK to lose money,” he said, explaining that some who enjoy free drinks will become regular customers.
The franchise company has grown from its beginnings when John Davidson founded the firm in 2017 in Arkansas, starting with seven original drinks.
The original seven are still being served: Blondie with caramel and vanilla breve, Brunette with hazelnut and caramel mocha, Smooth 7 with white chocolate and Irish cream breve, Cinnamon Roll with white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon, White Chocolate Mocha, German Chocolate with coconut and caramel mocha and Sweet & Salty with salted caramel and white chocolate breve.
There are 35 locations in Florida, with 20 more coming this year, Stutler said. As a whole, the company expects to double the number of 7 Brew Coffee stands next year.
