The Rising Popularity of Drive Thru Coffee – CoffeeTalk

Drive-thru coffee chains are experiencing rapid growth in the restaurant industry, as highlighted by the 2026 Datassential 500 report, which indicates that the Limited Service Restaurant (LSR) coffee segment accrued systemwide sales of $51.5 billion in 2025, marking an annual growth rate of nearly 5%. This segment is noted as one of the strongest performers within the report.

The success of drive-thru coffee chains is attributed to their ability to capitalize on a crucial time in a consumer’s day: the morning routine. As per Datassential, they offer a highly customizable menu focused on cold beverages and energy drinks, with limited-time offer (LTO) seasonal options, all served in under three minutes. This level of convenience fosters a daily ritual for many consumers, establishing a level of habit that other restaurant formats struggle to achieve.

7 Brew coffee has emerged as a leader in this market, exhibiting the highest growth rate among chains listed in the report, with an astounding 139% increase in systemwide sales and an 87.5% rise in units in 2025. The brand boasts a consumer awareness rate of 71%, surpassing that of competitors like Dutch Bros at 67% and Scooter’s Coffee at 66%. Datassential attributes 7 Brew’s strategy to its rapid service, a highly customizable menu, and a focus on energy drinks, which have seen a remarkable 186.8% increase on menus within the last four years, now appearing on 26.5% of offerings in the segment.

Dutch Bros also reported solid growth, opening 154 new locations in 2025 for a total increase of 15.7% in units, while Dunkin’ added 231 new units. According to Datassential, the key to success for these chains lies in their ability to secure the habitual morning visit, eliminating the need for parking or long waits, thus creating a consumer routine that is challenging to break once established.

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