7 Brew Coffee expands to Augusta as popularity rises nationwide

Cam Mashak | features editor

A new coffee chain is rapidly gaining popularity across the United States, and Augusta has quickly become part of the trend.

7 Brew Coffee, founded in 2017 in Rogers, Arkansas, has experienced explosive growth over the past several years. What started as a single stand in the Ozarks has now become a coast-to-coast operation, with hundreds of locations either open or under development by 2025.

The brand markets itself as ‘more than coffee,’ aiming to create a fast, customizable, community-centered experience. Its signature small-store design, typically limited to drive-thru service, sets it apart from larger, sit-down coffee chains.

In Augusta, the company’s journey began with a shop off Washington Road, not far from some of the city’s busiest commercial corridors. That first location was quickly followed by another store on Walton Way Extension, giving the company two drive-thru spots in the metro area within months.

Most recently, 7 Brew celebrated the grand opening of its Wrightsboro Road location on Sept. 2. The event drew large crowds of customers who lined up to try specialty drinks and to take advantage of promotional giveaways.

The rapid rise of 7 Brew has been fueled by its wide variety of beverage options, from energy drinks to flavored lattes, teas and smoothies. Customers can customize their orders extensively, with more than 20,000 possible combinations of flavors, bases and add-ins available.

That level of choice has been a big part of the appeal, especially among younger customers who are accustomed to ordering highly personalized drinks at coffee chains and smoothie shops. For busy professionals and students, the drive-thru model has also made the brand attractive as a quick alternative to traditional sit-down cafés.

Still, the chain has not escaped criticism. As with most new food and beverage businesses that expand quickly, 7 Brew has received mixed reviews from locals.

Some students and young professionals interviewed said they appreciate the variety of drinks and the ability to personalize their orders. Others, however, pointed to longer wait times during peak hours, with lines stretching around the building at popular times of day.

Cost has also been a concern. Several customers said prices can run higher than they expected, particularly when customizing larger drinks with multiple add-ins. For those who visit regularly, the price difference compared to traditional coffee shops can add up quickly.

When asked about their thoughts about 7Brew, one student Robin F., a local from the area, said “I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand it’s creating new jobs for people, but on the other it threatens local coffeehouses like Trellis Coffee Bar and (the) New Moon Cafe.”

Madi Oglesby, a History major who also works at a 7Brew location, believes “the four locations are due to the fact that 7 Brew is becoming such a large phenomenon both in mainstream media and because of the wide range of drink options that we offer.” And she’s said “I've tried all four locations since being in Augusta!” 

Nationally, 7 Brew’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. The company has announced plans for hundreds more drive-thru kiosks in the coming years, with many expected to be franchise-owned. Analysts say the coffee and beverage market continues to expand despite economic pressures, driven by customer demand for convenient, customizable experiences.

Whether the growth of 7 Brew will significantly impact local coffee shops in Augusta remains to be seen. For now, both chains and independents are competing for attention in a city where coffee culture has become increasingly diverse.

What is certain is that 7 Brew’s arrival has changed the landscape of quick-service drinks in Augusta. Its brightly colored kiosks and long drive-thru lines have become a familiar sight, signaling both the popularity and the challenges of the chain’s fast expansion.

For many in Augusta, that statement sums up the balance between embracing the energy of a new chain and protecting the character of a local coffee scene that has long thrived on individuality.