Dive Brief:
- Flynn Group has signed a 160-store development agreement with 7 Brew as part of the launch of a new division dedicated to scaling breakout brands, called Flynn Growth, according to a Thursday press release.
- The deal follows the opening of 7 Brew’s 500th store earlier in October.
- Flynn Group brings significant experience in operations — with more than 2,900 franchised locations across a number of brands — to 7 Brew, and the Flynn Growth division could help other brands scale with some of the speed of 7 Brew.
Dive Insight:
7 Brew has had a stellar year. The chain, which uses modular construction to develop its small-footprint stores, saw 50% unit growth across the first 10 months of 2025, and has been signing major franchising deals.
In September, 7 Crew — at that time the brand’s second-largest operator — was acquired by Franchise Equity Partners. FEP committed to build 200 more units in addition to 7 Crew’s extant 50 locations.
All of that growth has made the coffee chain an emerging challenger to nationally established brands like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros. The franchising agreement with Flynn will only accelerate that process.
“We are convinced that 7 Brew offers an unparalleled growth trajectory in the beverage sector,” Lauren Leahy, Flynn’s chief transformation officer, said in the press release.
However, the investment in an emergent brand is a strategic departure for Flynn.
“Historically, we have focused exclusively on premier mature brands,” said Greg Flynn, the founder, chairman and CEO of the franchise.. “Now, we are applying our world-class development and operational expertise to accelerate growth for concepts that are earlier in their growth cycle, with demonstrated success and market potential, like 7 Brew.”
The franchise giant is continuing to grow its legacy brands — its Pizza Hut system crossed the 1,000-store mark earlier this year thanks to a 45-store acquisition.
