7 Brew Coffee Under Construction in Rio Grande NJ
A national drive-through coffee chain that has been steadily expanding into New Jersey has officially broken ground on its first Cape May County location.
On June 26 the Middle Township Planning Board granted final approvals for the redevelopment of a property at 3402 US Route 9 South, clearing the way for 7 Brew Coffee to begin construction.
7 Brew Coffee Under Construction in Rio Grande NJ
Heavy machinery and work crews have since moved onto the site, marking the start of a project that will introduce a brand new entrant to South Jersey’s highly competitive coffee market.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by the site a few weeks back for the attached photos. Since then, more work has been underway to get the land ready.
The approved plans call for the demolition of the existing structures and the construction of a 510 square foot drive-through coffee shop with an attached 260 square foot storage and cooler building.
The project also includes new sidewalks, parking areas, signage, lighting, and landscaping.
Founded in Arkansas in 2017 7 Brew Coffee has sought to position itself as a faster, friendlier alternative to traditional coffee shops with a menu that emphasizes flavored lattes energy drinks and specialty cold brews.
Its business model relies heavily on compact drive-through buildings staffed by energetic crews designed to move vehicles quickly through multi-lane ordering systems.
The Middle Township site required a series of zoning variances reflecting the chain’s bold visual branding.
The Planning Board approved allowances for seven wall signs where only one is typically permitted along with three freestanding signs enlarged sign areas and reduced setbacks from the roadway.
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Officials also granted relief from parking buffer requirements and waived the need for a designated loading zone.
The new 7 Brew will rise on a stretch of Route 9 that already hosts a Starbucks, placing the two national coffee competitors directly beside one another in a corridor that sees steady traffic from both local residents and seasonal visitors heading toward the beaches of the Wildwoods and Cape May. (which one would you rather go to?)
The Rio Grande development follows a string of similar proposals filed by G7B LLC the entity spearheading 7 Brew’s entry into the state.
Recent applications in Toms River Clark and Gloucester County reflect a broader rollout aimed at introducing the chain to heavily trafficked corridors across New Jersey.
For Middle Township the project underscores the commercial pull of Rio Grande’s busy stretch of Route 9 already home to national retailers and fast food outlets that serve as a gateway for seasonal visitors headed toward the Wildwoods and Cape May.
No opening date has been announced but construction activity suggests the store could be operational by next summer in time for the peak tourist season.
The WVA did reach out to 7Brew’s team prior to publishing but haven’t heard back.
Are you excited for this new coffee chain?