EDGEWOOD, Md. — The newly opened 7 Brew Drive-Thru claims to offer customers a staggering 20,000 drink combinations, and local residents are optimistic that this new establishment will draw in crowds near the Edgewater Shopping Village.
“It’s a spot to stop by, a place where people can enjoy coffee,” stated Willie Evans, Jr. from Edgewood.
“It’s also essential in preventing Edgewood from becoming a ghost town,” his wife, Mildred, chimed in.
New 7 Brew location along Route 40
Brewing up business in Edgewood
The Gentlemens Edge barbershop has been a fixture in the shopping center since 1999, and owner Irv Cole has navigated through various challenges that have impacted local businesses.
“When I opened 27 years ago, this was a very different shopping center,” Cole recalled. “Back then, we had stores like Fashion Bug, which I’m not even sure still exists, along with movie theaters and many other retailers. Unfortunately, a lot of those businesses are no longer here.”
The introduction of a new brew spot, serving one vehicle, one customer, and one cup of coffee at a time, is an exciting proposition for the area.
The company appears to be confident in its decision to expand into Harford County, having already successfully launched another location in Abingdon.
Are coffee offerings the key to revitalization?
Cole is optimistic that 7 Brew can make a positive impact.
“I believe they will be successful here. While I don’t expect them to match the sales of the Abingdon store due to different demographics, I do think they will increase foot traffic in this area. I hope this will attract more businesses to the shopping center, facilitating its revival,” Cole remarked.
This sentiment resonates with local shoppers who are eager to have more reasons to shop within their community.
“It would be fantastic to see growth and activity here, with more people visiting and stores reopening,” Willie Evans, Jr. added. “We just want a place to shop.”
