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Regional coffee brands are popping up in new states at a breakneck pace, and that matters because it changes where you get your morning cup, what snacks are available nearby and even which businesses hire locally. As of 2025 several fast-growing chains announced aggressive rollout plans—some backed by major investors—so if you like discovering new cafés, the next one could open in your neighborhood soon.
Across the country, expansion has taken multiple forms: drive-thru stands, compact urban walk-ins, and hybrid models that combine quick service with a sit-down menu. The moves reflect broader shifts in consumer demand—more emphasis on convenience, diversified menus (hello, matcha and hot breakfast), and brand values such as direct-trade sourcing and community-focused franchise models.
| Brand | Headquarters / Origin | Approx. locations (2025) | Notable expansion notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Brew | Arkansas | 550+ | Rapid franchise growth; Blackstone investment and thousands of future stands reported |
| Dutch Bros | Oregon | Hundreds | Large planned rollout including nationwide breakfast menu by 2026; target for 1,000 new franchises by 2029 |
| Aroma Joe’s | Maine | ~128 | Expanded beyond New England; introduced combined drive-thru and coffeehouse format |
| Biggby Coffee | Michigan | 450+ | Emphasis on farm-direct sourcing and an independent audit program for suppliers |
| Blank Street | Brooklyn, NY | 90+ | Fast urban growth since 2020; matcha is a core offering alongside coffee |
| The Human Bean | Oregon | ~250 | Drive-thru focus and a franchise model designed to attract owner-operators |
| Pret a Manger | London (international) | 65+ in U.S.; 500+ globally | Plans to scale U.S. footprint toward several hundred locations; 100% organic coffee |
| Scooter’s Coffee | Nebraska | 850+ | Major single-year openings and a push into new states; broad non-coffee menu |
7 Brew
Launched less than a decade ago as a small drive-thru concept, 7 Brew has accelerated into a national franchising machine. The chain’s growth has been powered by a simplified service model and a focus on speedy, friendly interactions—attributes investors have noticed.
In 2024 the company added well over one hundred locations and reported a pipeline of thousands more in development agreements. With backing from a major investment firm, 7 Brew aims to keep opening compact stands that prioritize quick transactions and broad flavor choices.
Dutch Bros
Started in the Pacific Northwest, Dutch Bros has transitioned from regional favorite to a national contender. The company plans an aggressive franchise expansion that could include many more locations in states where major competitors are already entrenched.
Beyond sheer footprint growth, Dutch Bros has been testing a permanent hot breakfast program after pilot success—an initiative that appears to drive customer frequency and revenue. That menu shift, together with expansion targets through 2029, marks Dutch Bros as a brand moving beyond drinks into full-service morning offerings.
Aroma Joe’s
Aroma Joe’s began as a family-founded business in Maine and has expanded carefully beyond New England into select markets like Florida and western Pennsylvania. Its 25th anniversary included trialing a combined drive-thru and sit-down location, signaling a new store-format strategy.
Smaller than some national players, Aroma Joe’s leans on a reputation for community engagement and an employee-centric culture—traits that have won it recognition among franchise rankings and helped attract multi-unit operators.
Biggby Coffee
Biggby, rooted in Michigan, has scaled steadily and emphasizes people-first hospitality. The chain has also invested in supply-chain transparency: it purchases directly from growers and uses an internal audit program to assess farming practices and product quality.
This approach—combining neighborhood-style friendliness with rigorous sourcing checks—helps Biggby differentiate in a crowded market where consumers increasingly scrutinize origin and sustainability.
Blank Street
Emerging from a Brooklyn coffee cart in 2020, Blank Street grew quickly in urban cores both in the U.S. and overseas. Its model favors small-format shops and highlights matcha as a signature category rather than a side item, with matcha reportedly representing a significant share of sales.
That product mix, plus fast openings in densely populated neighborhoods, has positioned Blank Street as a trend-driven operator aiming to capture both coffee and tea—especially among younger, on-the-go customers.
The Human Bean
Built around a drive-thru-first service, The Human Bean has expanded into dozens of states while keeping a distinctive touch—small gestures such as a single chocolate-covered espresso bean atop cups are part of its branding.
Its franchise agreements avoid traditional percentage-based royalties, an unusual model that attracts independent owners and has contributed to steady growth. The chain’s menu includes standard coffee offerings, frozen options and family-friendly items, making it a convenient neighborhood stop.
Pret a Manger
Originally a London-based brand known for made-fresh food and organic beverages, Pret has been steadily growing its U.S. presence. With hundreds of global shops and a stated ambition to significantly scale in America, Pret is targeting major metro markets and emphasizing organic coffee as a core differentiator.
Its farm partnerships, particularly in Peru, underscore a sustainability angle that appeals to ethically minded consumers and sets Pret apart from many quick-service rivals.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s has pursued a broad national rollout rooted in the Midwest’s customer-service ethos. The chain reported opening well over a hundred new units in a single year and appears focused on both drive-thru convenience and an expanded menu of beverages and breakfast items.
Its rapid unit growth earned recognition on lists tracking fast-expanding brands. For consumers, that means more options for morning coffee and food, often with a strong regional flavor to the service style.
- What to watch next: new drive-thru formats, permanent breakfast menus, and national rollouts of brands that began regionally.
- How this affects you: more local convenience, more competitive pricing and possibly wider employment opportunities in your area.
- If you care about sourcing: look for brands that publish direct-trade or farm-audit programs—those commitments tend to survive rapid growth when they’re baked into procurement processes.
As these chains scale, the coffee landscape will keep changing—expect more hybrid formats, menu experimentation and competition over morning traffic. For regulars and curious tasters alike, the next few years will bring new places to try and new choices at the counter.
