Last weekend on Dec. 6, coffee shop chain 7Brew held its opening day at its new location on South Atherton. To enter State College with a boom, the drive-through only store offered free small drinks to all customers.
While patrons waited in the line (that wrapped around the parking lot), 7Brew employees drew on cars with catchy sayings like “7Brew 4ever” or “7B is Life.” Several State High students either worked the 7Brew opening weekend or attended.
Senior Marcus Bundro applied to work at 7Brew when he first heard of the opening, and described what it was like working opening weekend.
“It was crazy busy, but I also think it was a good establishing weekend, because a lot of people were introduced to 7Brew and learned the stuff we have to offer,” Bundro said.
Junior Kajsa Banks was one of many State High students who attended the opening weekend. “I got the Blondie [drink], it was pretty good, but really sweet … [my overall experience] was really good. The workers were really nice,” Banks said.
Kindness is one of 7Brew’s core values, with workers told to make connections with the customers, and always greet them with a smile. The chain also focuses on impact at a local level, donating money to THON and partnering with local nonprofits.
Senior Rianna Berezenko described why she decided to work at 7Brew.
“I decided to work at 7Brew because it was different from all the other coffee places I’ve worked at,” Berezenko said. “The environment felt a lot different because it was more engaging and you could actually have genuine conversations with your customers.”
Despite 7Brew’s priority of speedy delivery, employees are still able to make those connections with customers.
“The whole point of 7Brew is to promote positivity and talk to people. So when you’re at the lane giving drinks, you want to talk to the customer and start a conversation, and just keep a positive vibe to make sure they don’t feel bored while they’re waiting for their drink,” 7Brew worker and senior Maya Toyokawa said.
Along with exceptional customer service, 7Brew also offers a wide variety of drink options, with over 20,000 possible drink combinations.
“It’s very customizable to your specific wants, like you can change [your order up] so much,” Toyokawa said. “We offer so many syrups and sugar-free [options], kids’ drinks, hot versus cold, and that kind of stuff.”
Some of these options include the “7 Original” coffees, simple classic drinks like lattes and macchiatos, energy drinks, and “Fizzes,” custom sparkling waters infused with different flavors.
While 7Brew seems like a good addition to the State College coffee scene, some mentioned concern with the large amount of competition nearby. For example, Rothrock Coffee, a locally-owned shop, is located right across the street, and the chain location Dunkin’ is farther up South Atherton.
“I feel like it’s going to be very, very popular,” Bundro said. “People might choose 7Brew because it’s quicker and drive-through … but I don’t think other coffee shops are going to start suffering or anything. I feel like a big thing with coffee shops is being able to go sit and study, and you obviously can’t do that at 7Brew.”
There’s no argument that 7Brew, however it’s shaking up the coffee scene, is opening up new jobs and new possibilities. On Friday, Dec. 12, the store will be holding “Swag Day,” where customers can get a free shirt with the purchase of a large drink: sure to bring long lines and good times to State College.
