Refreshers Take Over Menus as Fast-Food Chains Embrace Fruit-Flavored Beverages The fast-food industry is witnessing a surge in the popularity of “refreshers,” a category of fruit-flavored beverages that have become a staple on menus from Starbucks to McDonald’s. These drinks, characterized by their bright colors and sweet, fruity profiles, are designed to appeal to younger consumers seeking a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee and tea. While the term “refresher” is not officially defined, the trend has gained traction as chains expand their beverage offerings to capture a growing market. The trend began with Starbucks, which introduced the concept in 2012 as a non-coffee, non-tea option for customers. The drink, initially a mix of iced tea and lemonade, evolved into a variety of flavors, including caffeinated versions launched earlier this year. Starbucks reported $2 billion in annual U.S. sales from refreshers, highlighting their success. Dunkin’ has also embraced the trend, with the category driving double-digit sales growth for the past four years. The chain has enlisted celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Morgan Thee Stallion for marketing, further boosting its appeal. Other chains are following suit. Panera Bread has added fruit-based drinks like Frescas and Energy Refreshers, while Sonic offers options that range from bubbly to flat. Swig, a Utah-based chain known for its dirty sodas, has seen success with its water-based refreshers, which cater to health-conscious customers avoiding its higher-calorie sodas. The drinks are particularly popular among women aged 16 to 35, who view them as a guilt-free treat. The rise of refreshers is part of a broader shift in consumer behavior. With fewer people eating out, beverages have become an “affordable indulgence,” according to David Henkes of Technomic.#sonic #mcdonalds #starbucks #dunkin #panera_bread
7Brew Coffee Shop to Open in Helotes 7Brew Coffee Shop is set to expand its presence in the Greater San Antonio region by opening a new location in Helotes. According to recently filed permits, the coffee chain will occupy the site at 12405 Bandera Road, replacing the existing Sonic establishment. The project, valued at $1 million, involves demolishing the current Sonic location to construct a 510-square-foot 7Brew Coffee Shop from the ground up. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-July and conclude by early October, with the café expected to debut by fall if all permits and logistical hurdles are successfully navigated. The new Helotes location will join 7Brew’s growing network, which has evolved from a single drive-thru coffee stand in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, to a national brand with nearly 500 locations. The company’s mission emphasizes cultivating kindness and joy through its service, product quality, and customer experience. Its website describes the brand as a transformative force in the drive-thru coffee industry, offering a customizable menu with over 20,000 drink combinations. This focus on personalization and community has contributed to its rapid expansion and widespread popularity. Robert Williams is listed as the owner of the Helotes location, though attempts to contact him and 7Brew’s president and chief financial officer, Robert Abdallah, for additional details were unsuccessful by the time of this report. The café’s opening in Helotes aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance its footprint in Texas, where it already operates multiple locations. The Bandera Road site is strategically positioned to serve the growing Helotes community, which has seen increased commercial development in recent years.#sonic #helotes #7brew_coffee_shop #robert_williams #bandera_road
7Brew Coming To Helotes Drive-Thru On Bandera Rd A new 7Brew location is set to replace the existing Sonic drive-thru at 12405 Bandera Road in Helotes, according to state filings. The project, registered under Project No. TABS2026017094, outlines a timeline for construction and demolition, with plans to begin work by June 15, 2026, and complete the site by October 1, 2026. The estimated cost of the project is $1 million, with the existing Sonic structure slated for demolition to make way for a compact 510-square-foot 7Brew stand. The owner of the site is listed as CCP Sonc Helot LP, and Arkifex Studios is identified as the design firm. The project’s application also names Robert Williams as the project contact, with Zeal Development Companies overseeing the design process. Additional details about the site’s layout and construction scope were submitted to the Helotes Planning & Zoning Commission, which is currently reviewing the project’s conceptual design. The filings include requests for variances related to signage, lighting, and directional markers, which are standard for such compact drive-thru locations. 7Brew, a fast-casual coffee and snack chain, began as a single drive-thru stand in 2017 and has since expanded to over 600 locations across dozens of states. The brand emphasizes a customizable menu, offering more than 20,000 drink combinations. Its "cultivating kindness" mission is highlighted on its About page, which showcases its growth and community focus. The Helotes location would be part of a broader trend of 7Brew’s expansion into San Antonio, with similar projects in Pleasanton and Mission already underway. The transition from Sonic to 7Brew requires several steps, including city permits for demolition and construction.#sonic #7brew #helotes #arkifex_studios #zeal_development_companies
