Owensboro’s newest coffee shop doesn’t officially open until Monday, but 7 Brew is already serving free drinks this weekend and building momentum for a September 13 grand opening celebration with music and giveaways. The stand has also made an early impact by donating more than $9,000 to the Owensboro Humane Society.
Maria Hufford, director of training for 7 Brew, said the brand is designed for speed, friendliness, and community. The coffee shop, located at 4930 Frederica Street in front of the former Towne Square Mall, is a drive-through-only with a double lane for orders.
Hufford explained that guests are greeted as soon as they pull up, with texters gathering names and phone numbers for rewards points, explaining the menu, and taking orders face-to-face. By the time customers reach the window, their drink is checked for quality before being handed off.
“Our goal is five minutes or less in the drive-through,” Hufford said. “We want to get you in and out while making sure you love your drink.”
Though known for espresso-based beverages, 7 Brew offers teas, smoothies, shakes, energy drinks, and chilled muffin tops. Hufford said the business keeps the focus on drinks to maintain quick service. The Owensboro location will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Even before opening, the stand hosted a fundraising event, giving away unlimited small drinks from a limited menu while encouraging donations to a local cause. Stand Manager Sydney Gambill said the Owensboro Humane Society was chosen, and the result far exceeded expectations.
“We raised over $7,000 for them this weekend during our kindness crew,” Gambill said. “People could donate as little or as much as they wanted, and the community showed up big.”
This weekend, the stand will unlock its full menu for more giveaways. Free small drinks will be available Friday from 7-10 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Until then, customers can still try one sample — a small iced Blondie drink — offered in limited supply.
The momentum will build toward the official grand opening on September 13. That day, anyone who buys a large drink will receive a free 7 Brew T-shirt, with a DJ and visiting baristas from across Kentucky and Missouri helping handle what Hufford described as “a pretty hype atmosphere.”
“The reception has been awesome,” Hufford said. “We’re very intentional with the communities we go into. We could go to big cities and do really well, but 7 Brew is about community. We care about our team and making a positive impact. Our whole motto is brewing smiles one cup at a time. It’s cheesy, but we live by it.”
