7‑Brew Coffee to Open Manhattan Location as Local Businesses React

Local coffee shops aren’t fazed as 7-Brew Coffee is building a location in Manhattan soon, which could economically hurt some businesses.  

Established in 2017, but now with over 500 locations across the United States, 7-Brew is a drive-through coffee shop that serves crafted specialty coffees, lattes, teas, smoothies, and even energy drinks. 7-Brew is extremely popular among younger generations, as they are known for having mile-long lines of people wanting to buy their drinks. Manhattan already has a Starbucks drive-thru coffee store and 151 Coffee, so adding another major brand could spread customers too thin and pull from local businesses. 

Some local coffee shops, like Radina’s have many locations in Manhattan, with a few on K-State’s campus. There is some concern from Radina’s about other coffee shops losing some business. “I feel like they might lose a few customers…” said Radina’s Coffeehouse Student Union employee Raelyn Robinson, “…but I feel like they might not completely stop, hopefully, customers won’t completely stop coming to other local businesses. But again, I can't guarantee that". Robinson also said that she’s curious to “…see how it all plays out...” with other coffee shops like Bluestem Bistro or 151 Coffee and “…how it’s going to effect their clientele”.  

The location of the 7-Brew business is on McCall Rd. next to Pizza Hut. The problem is that the new 151 coffee shop is on the other side of Tuttle Creek Blvd. Having two extremely popular coffee shops near each other could cause business conflict. “We don’t get to decide what comes here…”, said Stephanie Peterson, Dir. Of Planning/Development for Manhattan, “…typically what we do is look to see if the department has the permission to build what they need.” Peterson also said since 7-Brew is a corporate chain, they can build whatever they want “…as long as they have the proper zoning requirements.” The opening date of the 7-Brew location is set for April 6, 2026.  

Some younger coffee shops, like Flight Crew, aren’t intimidated by 7-Brew coming to town. “I don’t see them as my competition…”, said Flight Crew owner, Heather Hnizdil, “I’m not being naïve…but I just don’t feel worried because we’re approaching what we do differently that it doesn’t feel like we’re in the same competition at all.” Hnizdil describes Flight Crew as “your home away from home.” Flight Crew has seen an increase of sales in recent years, according to Hnizdil, making them “feel like an established business.” 

Radina’s firmly believes that customer loyalty is cemented into their business. “I feel like we’ve created such an impact for them, [the customers] just on how the customer services are here…”, said Robinson, “…they just love coming back here and talking to us. We really built that relationship with them. So, they love coming here, seeing us, and being able to support us, and I see them continuing that, even if 7-Brew is here.” Radina’s is a locally loved coffee shop that shows no signs of slowing down. Robinson said that Radina’s and other local coffee shops will “possibly” overpower 7-Brew.  

Flight Crew is more than just a business to Hnizdil. “Flight Crew is a neighborhood. Meetings and interviews and business happen there. As do friend meet ups, first dates, and moments of solitude. I think we’re a staple to the community.” With their fancy and airliner themed shop, Flight Crew provides something that 7-Brew can’t provide, an experience. “You’re getting a lot more than just a drink when you stop by Flight Crew. That’s [a drink] all you’re getting when you breeze through a 7-Brew”, said Robinson.