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The basics:

• 7 Brew opens first New Jersey location in Turnersville
• Drive-thru-only concept offers 20,000-plus custom drink combos
• Location creates 50 jobs, co-owned by local entrepreneurs
• Blackstone-backed brand plans further N.J. expansion

A drive-thru-only coffee concept is making its New Jersey debut.

Located at 5200 Route 42 in the Turnersville area of Washington Township, 7 Brew Coffee began welcoming customers April 21.

Since its 2017 launch, the Arkansas-based franchise now has over 370 units across the U.S. Besides coffee, 7 Brew serves energy drinks, flavored sodas, smoothies, shakes and teas.

Unlike coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’, 7 Brew does not offer indoor seating or food items. Instead, the stand aims to set itself apart with quick service as well as a wide range of custom hand-crafted drinks.

In recent years, 7 Brew has gone viral for its more than 20,000 unique drink combinations. Options range from its original “Blondie,” a caramel and vanilla beverage, to seasonal flavors, such as Cinnamon Roll and German Chocolate.

Caffeine and kindness

In Turnersville, Shunori Ramanathan and Zach Rosskamm own the newly opened outpost. “We’re incredibly excited to open the very first 7 Brew stand in New Jersey and to bring not just amazing drinks, but our brand of energy and kindness to Turnersville,” they said in a statement.

“As a young couple starting this business together, it means so much to us to build something rooted in community, joy and connection. We’re passionate about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, and we’re committed to partnering with local organizations to make a genuine difference here in South Jersey,” the co-owners added.

According to 7 Brew, the new location will bring 50 jobs to the area. The brand also plans to open several more area locations over the next few years, including a recently approved site in Winslow Township.

To celebrate its arrival in New Jersey, 7 Brew donated $12,400 to two local charities – The Unforgotten Haven and Jaws Youth Playbook – and first responders.

Blackstone boost

Last year, 7 Brew received a growth equity investment from Blackstone to help accelerate its expansion across the U.S. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The New York-headquartered private equity giant credited 7 Brew’s “impressive growth” to the chain’s “strong team and franchisee partnerships.”

The alternative asset manager also said it was “excited to partner with this business that is redefining the out-of-home coffee experience, by marrying a personal, human-centric customer service experience with premium products and exceptional efficiency.”

Blackstone also recently completed its acquisition of Jersey Mike’s Subs. As part of the reported $8 billion deal, Blackstone aims to help the Manasquan sandwich franchise “accelerate its expansion across and beyond the U.S. market.”

Last week, Jersey Mike’s founder and longtime CEO Peter Cancro stepped down. Cancro’s involvement with the brand dates back to when he was 14 and worked at the original shop in Point Pleasant. His successor, Charlie Morrison, began April 28.