‘Cultivating kindness’: 7 Brew drive-through coffee franchise coming to Grayslake
A rapidly expanding drive-through coffee chain will be coming to Grayslake likely in late summer or early fall.
Grayslake officials recently approved an amended site layout and other elements to allow for the construction of a freestanding 7 Brew franchise in the Belvidere West Commons subdivision on Route 120 across from the Jewel grocery store east of Route 83.
Franchisee Who Brew LLC, which operates 12 locations in the Chicago area including sites in Round Lake Beach and Lake Zurich, has a contract on the Grayslake site.
Who Brew hopes to begin construction in Grayslake in early April depending on the weather. A location is coming soon in Crystal Lake and the venture hopes have “many more” in upcoming months, said Sarah Pomella, chief of staff.
The selling point for the growing franchise is pairing high-quality drinks with fast service and friendly interactions, according to Pomella.
“Our goal is to create a place where guests feel welcomed and energized, whether they’re stopping by every morning or visiting for the first time,” she said.
That a Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have been established for some time across the street isn’t an issue, she added.
“At 7 Brew, we’re not focused on competing head-to-head, we’re focused on delivering an experience that’s fast, friendly, and unmistakably ours,” she explained in an email.
“Our menu, our service, and the way we show up for the community are what set us apart,” she added.
The first 7 Brew “stand” opened in 2017 in Rogers, Arkansas. Franchising began in 2021. The 100th stand opened in 2023 and the 500th in 2025.
According to its website, the company was built to “cultivate kindness in every cup” and has donated $1.3 million to communities it serves and 5 million drinks to community organizations.
“We’re looking forward to becoming a local stop that people can count on for great drinks, great service, and, a positive moment in their day,” Pomella said.
Coffee is a big part of the operation but the menu includes energy drinks, fizzes, teas, lemonades, smoothies, shakes and kid and caffeine-free options.
“All our drink offerings are fully customizable,” she said. “That variety allows us to serve everyone, whether they’re a coffee lover or not.”
Village officials agreed to change the approved site layout, architectural facades, retail elevations and other details to allow for 7 Brew.
One retail building in the Belvidere West Commons occupied by Chipotle, a physical therapy office and urgent care facility, has been built. The 7 Brew will be a standalone building and part of the subdivision.
A multi-tenant building including a Pet Supplies Plus, Noodles & Co. and AT&T store and a second building occupied by O'Reilly Auto Parts to the east are part of the development.