Each day this week, 7 Brew Coffee welcomed hundreds of students for free small drinks during select hours of the day.
Cars squeezed into the small lot to grab coffees, energy drinks, lemonades and more. Some even blocked part of Southwest 13th Street to turn in, causing a minor traffic jam.
In 2017, Oregon native Ron Crume started a drive-thru coffee stand in Rogers, Arkansas. The stand offered only seven signature drinks to keep things simple. Hence, the name “7 Brew” was born. The brand emphasizes community in its tagline, “Where we Cultivate Kindness in every cup.”
Now, the brand has expanded its menu and opened over 600 franchises across the country.
This Gainesville stand is the brand’s 19th location in Florida. A 20th location will be opening on Jan. 15 in Belleview, Florida. Similar drink destination Dutch Bros’ successful opening last year in Gainesville — only 12 minutes away — presents some competition.
Growing up in Washington state, across the bridge from Oregon where Dutch Bros started, I was anxious to see how 7 Brew compared. Both offer an extensive drink menu and have a reputation for young, chatty baristas and blasting music.
A few years ago, I visited a 7 Brew in Melbourne Beach and tried the pina colada smoothie. After a relaxing day at the beach, the pineapple and coconut smoothie and a free pink and blue “Smooth Seven” shirt made my day. Now, I was curious to see how I liked 7 Brew’s coffee.
At the Gainesville location, I ordered two coffees and two energy drinks to see what I thought of the chain’s most popular flavors.
As upbeat songs like “APT” and “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” played, the employees greeted me and guided the car line efficiently. Within seven minutes of ordering, I received my drinks.
It is likely that this location’s drinks aren’t consistent yet because the employees are still training.
4. Blondie
After reading positive reviews about this coffee drink, I tried the Blondie, even though I’m brunette (they have a drink by that name as well).
Honestly, I was completely disappointed. In my first couple of sips, all I tasted was a mixture of milk with a few pumps of caramel syrup. A hint of coffee flavor lingered, but it wasn’t strong.
It was creamy but too sweet. The quality wasn’t high, so I wouldn’t recommend this coffee drink over Dutch Bros.
3. Toasted Marshmallow Latte
Containing a cozy campfire flavor, this latte tasted better than the Blondie. It had a smooth and rich caramelized nuttiness. Its buttery texture was delicious, but I still longed for a bolder espresso note to complement it.
If you like your cream with a smidge of coffee, you’ll like this drink.
2. Pink Mermaid Energy
One employee recommended the Pink Mermaid flavor. Considering my history of watching Netflix’s “H2O: Just Add Water” and playing mermaids in pools, I had to try the strawberry, watermelon and coconut combination for myself.
The bright pink color resembled the vibrant magenta of a sunset. I ordered a blended version of the energy drink. The juicy tartness was concentrated, but the exotic flavor punch was refreshing.
It tasted like a watermelon Jolly Rancher, and I’ve always loved those. However, I would have liked to taste more of the nutty flavor of the coconut.
1. Ocean Breeze Energy
The Ocean Breeze Energy was by far my favorite drink. I have never liked energy drinks all that much, but this drink was truly tropical and balanced. The neon blue color felt like the embodiment of Benson Boone’s song, “Mr Electric Blue.”
The Ocean Breeze resembled my go-to slushie order at Sonic Drive-In, the Blue Coconut. The thought of relaxing on the beach with this drink gives me a hit of dopamine.
Unlike the Pink Mermaid, this drink wasn’t too sweet or tart. The ice blend was perfectly crystallized into smooth yet slightly crunchy pieces.
If you order the drink iced, it will contain a fizzy finish. You also have the option to add cream for extra sweetness.
From my experience, the chain’s fruity drinks, such as its energy drinks and smoothies, are better than the coffee.
Contact Summer Johnston at sjohnston@alligator.org. Follow her on X @summerajohnston.
