7 Brew Will Open Second Ames Drive-Thru in December
Local operators can expect new competition and a significant hiring push as the chain expands its modular footprint.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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7 Brew plans to open its second drive-thru location in Ames at 1112 S. Duff Ave. in December 2026. The new site will serve as the company's 12th store in Iowa.
Why it matters
The company relies on a prebuilt modular construction model that allows for rapid site development, significantly shortening the interval between groundbreaking and opening compared to traditional restaurant builds.
The new 1112 S. Duff Ave. site is projected to generate 75 to 100 new jobs for the local market. This opening marks the 12th location for the operator in Iowa, building on the first Ames store established at 3615 Lincoln Way in 2025.
The players
7 Brew
A drive-thru coffee chain that utilizes modular construction to scale store counts quickly across regional markets.
The details
The facility uses a prebuilt modular structure transported to the site by flatbed truck, a strategy that enables the brand to move from groundbreaking to operations in 8 to 12 weeks. Unlike traditional quick-service models, the operator utilizes a face-to-face ordering system with baristas instead of a traditional speaker box to process customer transactions.
Timeline
2025: First 7 Brew store opened at 3615 Lincoln Way.
December 2026: Targeted opening of the South Duff drive-thru location.
Market Landscape
This development follows the precedent set by the successful 2025 launch of the chain's first location at 3615 Lincoln Way. It represents a broader strategy of establishing density within the Ames market through modular site development.
Local employers should prepare for increased competition for service-sector talent as the new location initiates a hiring push for 75 to 100 roles. Operators in the area should monitor the site’s rapid construction timeline as a benchmark for local real estate development efficiency.
The takeaway
Rapid modular construction allows brands to enter new neighborhood locations with minimal lead time. Keep a close watch on the local labor market for wage adjustments when a high-volume retailer enters the area to staff up its operations.
What happens next
The South Duff drive-thru is scheduled to open in December 2026.
Further reading
For more on local commercial shifts, visit Ames Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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