BROCKPORT, N.Y. — Since early September, a seemingly endless line of cars has laced the edge of the Sweden Corners shopping center for one reason; 7 Brew. Brockport’s newest coffee spot has offered free small drinks almost every day—no strings attached.
7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee stand, was founded in 2017 in Rogers, Arkansas. Since then, the company has turned into a nationwide chain, opening nearly 500 stands, the latest of which is in Brockport, which opened on September 22.
As is tradition with all new 7 Brew locations, they offered free small drinks to everyone who came through their drive-thru for weeks prior to their official opening.
“Giving out free drinks is our way of building connections with the community and inviting people to discover their favorite drink,” 7 Brew director of operations Nick Vidal said. “A free drink gives them the chance to explore, customize and experience the full range of what makes 7 Brew unique.”
The business has also created new jobs for people in the area.
“I personally really like [working here],” 7 Brew employee and SUNY Brockport student Bridget Terpening said. “It’s very high energy and very quick, but if you have a ton of energy and a high social battery then you’ll have so much fun.”
The “7 Brew Rochester Fans” Facebook group has amassed over 6,000 members, with people sharing their favorite drinks, new deals and more.
“Social media plays a huge role in how we connect and grow with our customers,” Vidal said. “It allows us to listen, learn and engage in real time, whether that’s responding to feedback, celebrating special moments or spreading positivity beyond the drive-thru.”
The opening of 7 Brew brings an added layer of competition to the already hotly-contested Brockport coffee scene.
“I think that if you’re coming to get real fresh roasted coffee, you’re going to come down here anyway,” Java Junction employee Amanda Graham said. “When they [7 Brew] were handing out the free coffee, we did see a little bit of a dip in sales, but other than that it hasn’t really affected us at all.”
SUNY Brockport alum and owner of Java Junction Peter Apicella opened his coffee shop in 1993. Apicella has been serving the Brockport community for over three decades, building a loyal customer base in that time.
“Our customer base is very regular and I do not think they’re going to go to 7 Brew instead of coming here,” Graham said.
Java Junction is located on Main St., where the bridge running across the Erie Canal has been closed for nearly two-and-a-half years. The bridge closure has impacted several businesses on Main St., but not Java Junction.
“Because we roast our own coffee, I don’t think it’s really affecting us,” Graham said. “I honestly don’t believe that we have seen a dip in business.”
Grinds Cafe & Sweet Shoppe is another business that could be impacted by the opening of 7 Brew. Opened in 2016, Grinds has been Brockport’s go-to place for brunch.
After taking a pause to laugh, a Grinds employee gave a polite “No, thank you” when asked for a comment on how 7 Brew will impact them.
Both Grinds and Java Junction have cemented themselves as Brockport staples, building loyal customer bases that they believe won’t leave for 7 Brew. Both businesses offer more than just coffee too, serving pastries, baked goods and full meals.
Whether Brockport can support three coffee shops or not is a question that only time will answer.