Galesburg’s already vibrant coffee scene will gain a new option with the opening of the 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru at 1922 N. Henderson St. on Oct. 27, transforming the former Taco John’s site into a community-focused beverage hub, according to Lilah Biggers, new store opening manager for franchisee Brew Horizons.
The location, which housed Taco John’s from February 2016 until its permanent closure in May 2025, was demolished earlier this summer to make way for the development. The drive-thru-only coffee shop operates more than 300 locations across 32 states, including 13 in Illinois.
Biggers, originally from Arkansas where 7 Brew was founded, emphasized the brand’s commitment to community integration during an on-site interview Sunday with WGIL Radio. “Our heart of 7 Brew is just getting to know our community. We’re very community focused… It’s a really great safe space for people to just come in, have a great conversation with some of our baristas, and get a good drink,” she said.
The store’s design prioritizes personal interaction over traditional fast service, featuring giant glass sliding doors and lane tables that allow customers to watch drinks being prepared. Orders are taken face-to-face by “texters,” followed by conversations with dedicated “Lane” staff while waiting—a role Biggers called her favorite for building connections. No printed menus are used; instead, baristas guide customers through options to craft their ideal drink.
With over 20,000 flavor combinations available across coffee, shakes, smoothies, and energy drinks (caffeinated or not), the menu caters to broad demographics and dietary needs, including sugar-free, decaf, and milk alternatives. “Our whole time is to get you out of here in under a minute. So, it’s friendly and fast service is what we always say,” Biggers noted.
Despite Galesburg’s established coffee scene—including a neighboring Starbucks—Biggers expressed enthusiasm for collaboration. “We’re just excited to work alongside our competitors, but also be able to support each other… I feel like we can learn from everyone,” she said, adopting a “the more the merrier” outlook.
To mark the launch, 7 Brew is rolling out extensive community outreach. Staff will distribute free drinks around town in the week leading up to opening, culminating in a “Drink Drops” event giving away 10,000 beverages to participating local businesses via the “Kindness Crew” of drivers and baristas. The grand opening on Nov. 1, dubbed “Swag Day,” will feature costumed staff and a free 7 Brew t-shirt with any large drink purchase.
Hours of operation will be 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
