The drive-thru coffee brand has 200 more locations in the works.
By Andrew Carlo
Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm, announced that it acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew.
7 Crew is the second-largest owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee and has a focus on drive-thru service. FEP partners with franchisees and franchisors. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Under the new agreement, FEP will continue to move forward with 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew. This includes the opening of more than 200 new locations while working with 50 locations that are currently open. Regarding the deal, FEP said that 7 Brew “stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand.
“We are thrilled to have FEP join the 7 Brew family,” said John Davidson, CEO of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. “We truly look forward to the new partnership.”
When it comes to growth, 7 Brew expanded from 14 units in 2021 to more than 460 locations in 2025 and FEP said it is the fastest-growing coffee brand in the United States. Based in New York, FEP reports that it has $1 billion of committed capital for growth, acquisitions, succession, and estate planning, along with other strategic business opportunities.
“This partnership with Franchise Equity Partners marks an exciting new chapter for 7 Crew and the 7 Brew brand,” said Kendra Burris, CEO of 7 Crew. “FEP brings not only capital but also deep operational expertise, a long-term vision, and an alignment with our commitment to our employees and customers.
With a new investment injection for expansion, Burris said that 7 Brew plans to “accelerate development” in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
“From the beginning, it was clear that 7 Brew and 7 Crew align perfectly with our strategy of investing in outstanding operators of category-defining brands,” said David O’Donnell, managing director, head of investments at FEP. “We’re thrilled to partner with Kendra and her team as we help scale 7 Crew’s development to more than 200 new stands over the next five years.”
Existing investors, Masked Rider Capital, a Lubbock, Texas-based family office, and Red Sky Holdings, a real estate development firm, will retain significant equity stakes. FEB said this provides continuity as the business enters its next phase of growth.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to 7 Crew. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP served as legal counsel to FEP. Financing for the transaction was provided by investment funds and accounts managed by HPS Investment Partners.
