By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
The line never ends. Morning. Noon. Night. Late night.
What gives?
Perhaps they’re giving away money – what else could it be?
“We pride ourselves on personal connection,” Ralph Cole, told the Northern Kentucky Tribune.
Cole was talking about 7Brew – he should know.
He owns the one in Florence – 8111 US 42. He owns one in Newport – and a new one on (7303) Turfway Road.
In fact, Ralph Cole loves 7Brew so much, the Louisville resident owns 28 7Brew locations.
And, get this, he says the US 42 store in Florence is No. 1 in the Commonwealth.
Not surprising with the traffic surrounding the place.
“Previously I was in the restaurant industry,” Cole said. “COVID changed all that. The coffee business, and in particular the drive-through business is more crises proof.
“7Brew was perfect.”
7Brew is a drive-thru beverage brand offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations – coffee, tea, shakes, smoothies – in total some 20,000 drinks – including energy drink – combinations.
“And,” continued Cole, “the beverage world has better margins for profit than restaurants.”
But money aside, it was the culture of 7Brew that attracted Cole to the business.
“We cultivate kindness and positivity,” he said. “The Northern Kentucky community certainly embraced us. They love the fast drive thru – it’s two lanes, like a Chick fil-A.
“We pride ourselves with a three-to-five-minute personal connection. Our customers get to know us. They love the interaction with our team.”
7Brew was founded in 2017 in Rogers, Arkansas by Ron Crume, starting as a single double-sided drive-thru stand with seven original coffee drinks. The chain, now known for its rapid, high-energy service and drink combos, was acquired in 2020 by Drink House Holdings, which began franchising in 2021.
It has grown to over 500 locations across 38 states as of late 2025.
To celebrate its opening, the drive-thru drink stand donated $6,692 to the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center.
“We’re thrilled to keep expanding in Kentucky and look to continue cultivating kindness throughout the Florence community,” the company said in a press release.
The Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center provides a coordinated response to concerns of child abuse in a child-focused environment, delivering prevention evaluation and treatment to children and families.
Saturday (April 25) is Swag Day, from 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; customers who purchase a large drink will get a free 7Brew T-shirt.
From the original Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, to infused7 energy drinks, smoothies, 7 Cissoids, shakes and teas, 7Brew is, as Cole says, “an evening sweet treat for the family.”