By Griffin Nelson
Photos courtesy of 7 Brew

Augusta has lots of well-known coffee chains and local, niche coffee shops, but until now a middle option was missing — an expeditious drive-through experience with cheerful faces and a wide variety of drinks. The newest addition to Augusta’s coffee scene, 7 Brew, is filling the void with tried and true techniques for the ultimate combination of efficiency, quality and experience.

The national brand has quickly grown in local popularity with one location at 105 Charlestowne Way opened earlier this year, another set to open this summer on Peach Orchard Road and more to come by the end of the year. With seven unique drinks developed and offered at the original “stand” in Rogers, Ark., and endless combinations available including different flavors, syrups, alternative milks and more, it’s easy to find a new favorite drink or create your own from scratch. 

“You can customize it however you want,” says stand manager, Isaac Mincks. “And if you want to try something new, you can always ask your barista what they like to drink.”

Not in the mood for coffee and still need a pick-me-up? The menu has smoothies, shakes, soda water and over 30 flavors of their 7-Energy drinks. As Mincks points out, “We have something for people who really need a boost in the morning or whenever they choose.” Since everything is so customizable, 7 Brew has created systems for speed optimization. 

The concept of drive-through coffee shops has been widely popular on the West Coast for years. The original owners of 7 Brew were from Oregon and knew their home in Arkansas would benefit from the business model. The East Coast is now embracing the unique approach to the daily brew. The staff greets customers with a smile, taking orders using an iPad, to expedite the process and build relationships. “Yes, it’s a drive-through. Yes, it’s a coffee shop. But we’re trying to give you an incredible experience every time we see you,” says Mincks. “We are doing our best to develop relationships [in the community].” 

A great place to start is one of the originals, available hot, iced or frozen:

• Blondie — caramel and vanilla breve
• Brunette — hazelnut and caramel mocha
• Smooth 7 — white chocolate and Irish cream breve
• Cinnamon Roll — white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon
• White Chocolate Mocha — white and milk chocolate mocha
• German Chocolate — coconut and caramel mocha
• Triple 7 — a Smooth 7 with six espresso shots

As seen in the June/July issue of Augusta magazine.