Franchise Equity Partners Invests in Second Largest 7 Brew Franchisee

FEP Invests in 7 Crew, Signs Development Deal for Over 200 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Stands Across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm on a mission to create long-term partnerships with quality franchisees and franchisors, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, the next generation drive-thru beverage business. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew's existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating.

FEP has taken a highly selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew is the fastest-growing coffee brand in the U.S., with unit growth from 14 in 2021 to over 460 in 2025, strong same-store sales, and superior unit economics. 7 Crew, the system's second-largest franchisee, combines scale, prime territory, and a proven development engine with an experienced leadership team, providing a model for accelerated growth.

"We are thrilled to have FEP join the 7 Brew family," said John Davidson, CEO of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. "We truly look forward to the new partnership."

"From the beginning, it was clear that 7 Brew and 7 Crew align perfectly with our strategy of investing in outstanding operators of category-defining brands," said David O'Donnell, Managing Director, Head of Investments at FEP. "We're thrilled to partner with Kendra and her team as we help scale 7 Crew's development to more than 200 new stands over the next five years."

The partnership underscores FEP's mission to support top-tier franchise operators with capital and operational support to accelerate scalable, sustainable growth.

"This partnership with Franchise Equity Partners marks an exciting new chapter for 7 Crew and the 7 Brew brand," said Kendra Burris, CEO of 7 Crew. "FEP brings not only capital but also deep operational expertise, a long-term vision, and an alignment with our commitment to our employees and customers. Together, we will accelerate development across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, expanding our footprint while strengthening our ability to deliver the people-first drive-thru experience that defines 7 Brew and our culture to cultivate kindness."

Existing investors, Masked Rider Capital, a Lubbock, TX-based family office, and Red Sky Holdings, a real estate development firm, will retain significant equity stakes, providing continuity as the business enters its next phase of growth.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to 7 Crew. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP served as legal counsel to FEP. Financing for the transaction was provided by investment funds and accounts managed by HPS Investment Partners.

For more information about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit https://www.fep-us.com/.

About Franchise Equity Partners:
Franchise Equity Partners is a private investment firm specializing in providing capital to franchise businesses and their owners. Its differentiated approach combines extensive corporate finance and operating experience with $1 billion of committed capital to facilitate investment in growth, ownership simplification, succession and estate planning, and other strategic business opportunities. To learn more about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit www.fep-us.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

About 7 Brew:
7 Brew is a rapidly growing coffee brand revolutionizing how customers experience drive-thru coffee service and think about their morning energy boost. 7 Brew serves espresso-based coffee, chillers, teas, 7 Energy, 7 Fizz Sodas, and more, all with an extra boost of kindness from their team. The dream of 7 Brew came alive with the first "stand" in Rogers, Ark., and its seven original coffees. Now, 7 Brew boasts more than 460 stands across the country. For more information, visit www.7brew.com and follow 7 Brew on Instagram (@7brewcoffee), TikTok (@7brewcoffee), Facebook (facebook.com/7brewcoffee) and Twitter (@7BrewCoffee).

Contact:
Andrea Mazzola
Fish 919
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Franchise Equity Partners