7 Brew Bets Big on Campus Life with University of Arkansas Outpost

SPRINGDALE, AR – March 31, 2026 – The familiar sight of a 7 Brew drive-thru stand, a symbol of rapid growth in the American beverage landscape, is set for a significant evolution. The Springdale-based company announced today its plans to establish its first-ever stand directly on a university campus, choosing its home state's flagship institution, The University of Arkansas, for the milestone.

Breaking ground this summer with a projected opening in Fall 2026, the new location will depart from the brand's signature drive-thru model. Instead, it will be a “walk-thru” stand, designed to be a community hub where students and faculty can gather. This marks the company’s third walk-thru format nationwide, signaling a calculated pivot toward creating immersive brand experiences in high-traffic pedestrian areas.

“This opening reflects the continued, positive growth of 7 Brew and reinforces our commitment to meaningfully engage with the communities that we serve,” said Chris Dawson, President of 7 Brew, in a statement. “We are excited to create a welcoming space on The University of Arkansas’ campus that brings people together on a study break, morning commute or late-night treat to enjoy our beverages and experience the kindness, energy and passion that are central to the 7 Brew brand.”

A Strategic Shift from Drive-Thru to Campus Hub

Since its founding in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, 7 Brew has executed a blistering expansion strategy centered on a hyper-efficient drive-thru model. Growing to over 600 locations across 38 states, the company has proven the market's appetite for speed, convenience, and its vast menu of customizable drinks. The average annual sales for a franchised location now approach $2 million, a testament to the model's success.

However, the move onto the University of Arkansas campus represents a deliberate strategic shift. While the company previously opened a walk-thru location in the University District near The Ohio State University, this will be its first integrated directly into the fabric of campus life. This format abandons the car-centric approach in favor of creating a physical destination. The walk-thru model allows guests to order inside and provides a space to “hang out,” a feature explicitly designed to foster community and encourage longer stays—a stark contrast to the fleeting interaction of a drive-thru window.

This strategy directly targets the coveted collegiate demographic. By embedding itself within the daily life of students, 7 Brew aims to build brand loyalty with a new generation of consumers. Industry trends show that college students are prime consumers of specialty coffee and energy drinks, and they increasingly value brands that offer unique experiences and a sense of community. The university setting provides a fertile ground for cultivating these connections, turning daily coffee runs into a social ritual.

Brewing New Competition in a Crowded Market

The introduction of 7 Brew is poised to shake up the existing beverage landscape at the University of Arkansas. The campus, managed by Chartwells Higher Education, already hosts established national brands like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee, alongside other smaller cafes. However, 7 Brew brings a distinct value proposition that appears tailor-made for the student population.

Its menu, famous for offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations, caters directly to the student preference for customization and variety. Beyond traditional espresso-based drinks, the brand’s extensive lineup of infused 7 Energy drinks, Chillers, and 7 Fizz sodas provides a powerful alternative to existing options, particularly for late-night study sessions or a midday energy boost. This focus on high-energy, highly customizable drinks could allow 7 Brew to carve out a unique niche.

The partnership with Chartwells Higher Education was instrumental in bringing the brand to campus. Jack Ervin, Vice President of Operations for Chartwells at the university, framed the decision as a direct response to student feedback.

“Our top priority as the on‑campus dining team is to listen to our students and deliver the experiences they’re asking for,” Ervin stated. “Bringing one of Arkansas’s most beloved brands to campus is a perfect example of that commitment. We’re confident that 7 Brew will be an instant favorite among U of A students, and we’re excited to build a long‑lasting partnership with such a strong local brand.”

An Arkansas Homecoming and a National Blueprint

For 7 Brew, this expansion is more than just a strategic business move; it's a homecoming. Born just a few miles north of Fayetteville in Rogers, the brand's identity is deeply intertwined with its Northwest Arkansas roots. Planting its first true campus flag at the University of Arkansas carries significant symbolic weight, reinforcing its connection to the community that first embraced it.

The project is expected to create approximately 80 jobs for the area, mirroring the staffing levels of its similar walk-thru location near Ohio State. This represents a tangible economic contribution to the campus community, providing employment opportunities for students and locals alike.

More importantly, the success of the University of Arkansas stand will be closely watched as a potential blueprint for 7 Brew's future growth. If the walk-thru, community-hub model proves successful in capturing the student market, it could unlock a new, highly scalable expansion channel for the company. This single location in Fayetteville could become the prototype for a nationwide rollout across other college campuses, transforming 7 Brew from a drive-thru giant into a dominant player in the collegiate retail space. The brand is betting that its unique combination of speed, boundless customization, and cultivated kindness is exactly what today's college students are craving.