7 Brew Franchise vs. Beans & Brews Franchise: How they Compare

Are you interested in owning a 7 Brew franchise but need help finding franchise information? Learn how 7 Brew compares to Beans & Brews Coffeehouse and why the high-altitude roasted coffee brand may be a better fit.

Year-over-year coffee sales increased in every state during the first five months of 2024, according to a new study released by Placer.ai. Some of the largest growth is in smaller markets, such as Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Arkansas. Total sales for leading global coffee cafe chains are up 16.5% over pre-pandemic performance. Chains like 7 Brew and Beans & Brews Coffeehouse are helping fuel demand for beverages in the U.S.

“Beverages are undoubtedly one of the hottest menu categories on the global restaurant stage. Growth among specialist chains is robust and outperforming other key menu categories,” said Aaron Jourden, director of international research and insights at Technomic in a statement.

To determine whether 7 Brew or Beans & Brews coffee franchise is a better fit, let’s take a closer look at each brand in a side-by-side comparison.

7 Brew: A Drive-thru Coffee Chain

7 Brew opened its first drive-thru coffee location in 2017. The chain strives to turn drive-thru coffee into a “fun, mind-blowing experience” for everyone. The brand started franchising in March 2021 and now has 242 locations scattered across the eastern half of the U.S.

As part of the 7 Brew coffee franchise cost, the brand requires a two-unit development deal — unlike Beans & Brews which offers both single- and multi-unit franchises. Each 7 Brew outlet needs a plot of land between 5,000 and 50,000 square feet, including space for a 510-square-foot modular building and the chain’s high-capacity drive-thru lanes. 7 Brew locations are typically located on an out parcel adjacent to a shopping center, with visibility from the street in an urban or downtown setting near a highway.

Drive-thru locations appeal to customers on the go but lack inside seating. This business model prevents a 7 Brew franchise from becoming a community gathering place.

Beans & Brews has endcap, freestanding, and kiosk prototypes to provide investors with various store designs. Having both a drive-thru for convenience and seats for people who want to relax and enjoy a beverage is key. One Beans & Brews location in the Houston area is debuting a conference room for people to host small events and business meetings.

7 Brew serves an extensive line of beverages, including coffee, smoothies, energy drinks, and milkshakes. It does not sell food, which may lower average ticket prices and put a damper on business. Beans & Brews serves an extensive lineup of specialty beverages, as well as a full menu of breakfast and lunch items and snacks. Managing our menu is seamless and we have a comprehensive training program to help streamline operations.

Beans & Brews: A Community Gathering Place

If you want to create a community gathering place that serves food and beverages, Beans & Brews is the right choice. For an initial investment ranging from $518,500 to $761,500, you’ll get a turnkey coffee shop catering to customers who want an early morning caffeine fix or an afternoon energy drink to give them a boost.

Beans & Brews relies on high-altitude roasting to deliver high quality and flavor. This method takes advantage of lower atmospheric pressure at higher elevations to roast beans at lower temperatures. Our slow roasting process allows the beans to retain more natural flavors and oils, resulting in a smoother, richer coffee.

Join Our Franchise Family!

If you’re seeking an alternative to corporate life or aiming to extend your portfolio through business ownership, Beans & Brews welcomes individuals with various aspirations to explore the path to becoming part of our thriving franchise network. We’re looking for candidates with a passion for coffee and a desire to build a thriving community hub.

Get started to learn more about how Beans & Brews can help you achieve your business goals.