7 Brew opened its 500th location, a store in Toms River, New Jersey, over the weekend, according to a Monday press release.
The opening means the drive-thru focused coffee chain has achieved more than 50% unit count growth in 10 months — the brand had 321 locations at the end of 2024, according to its franchise disclosure document.
The brand’s meteoric growth could place pressure on established coffee giants, like Starbucks and Dunkin’, as well as other drive-thru focused challenger brands like Dutch Bros.
7 Brew’s strong unit economics — a roughly $2 million average unit volume at stores open more than a year per its FDD — mean it’s well positioned to continue growth. And with a typical footprint of around 510 square feet and use of modular construction, 7 Brew’s development costs and real estate requirements are relatively low.
Chris Dawson, the chain’s president, said the rapid expansion in recent years was indicative of the brand’s strength.
“Our race to 500 stands is a testament to our amazing customers, remarkable franchisees and the best Brewistas on the planet. This milestone isn’t a finish line, it’s just another lap,” Dawson said in the press release.
Aside from opening about 180 new units, 7 Brew has had a busy 2025. In April, the chain opened its first walk-thru unit in a Walmart, opening up a whole new possible growth avenue. In June, the coffee chain hired Christopher Held, formerly Inspire Brands’ chief supply officer, to hold the same post at 7 Brew. Held’s resume is indicative of the brand’s ambition: Inspire has a global store system. In June, Franchise Equity Partners bought 7 Crew, a 50-store operator, and committed to building another 200 units.
