Starbucks vs Seven Brew

Starbucks has been the place to go for years, especially for high school girls. You can pull up to school or a club thinking that you have a good little group. Then, all of a sudden you’ll see like 15 girls rolling in about 20 minutes late with their “venti” sized refreshers or lattes being like, “Sorry, I was late, I got Starbucks.” Acting like it’s some kind of excuse. They just keep pouring in, and there’s me in the corner, social anxiety spiked. However, a new strictly drive-thru coffee shop has recently hit the scene in Christiansburg, offering direct competition to the well-known Starbucks brand. It’s called Seven Brew. The grand question though is, “Which is better, Starbucks or Seven Brew?” 

Similar to Starbucks, the Seven Brew menu consists of lattes, cold brews, energy drinks, and teas. They also consist of options such as smoothies and “Fizz” drinks that aren’t offered at Starbucks. Seven Brew is a drive-thru only franchise and has been gaining popularity over the last few weeks at Blacksburg High School (BHS). “The cups are bigger and it tastes better [than Starbucks].” says Abigail Gresham (12). 

You would think that the coffee shop wouldn’t have such a pull from Blacksburg kids due to the fact that it’s “way out” in Christiansburg.

Regardless, Abigail says that even though Seven Brew is farther away, it is worth the drive. Others also share her sentiment of Seven Brew, “It tastes good and makes me buzz!” Kate Turman (9) says. Her only problem is the line for the drive-thru. 

It sometimes takes over 15 minutes to get through, making it difficult to find the time to get Seven Brew. However, it is still one of her go to places to get drinks. Though is it necessarily better than Starbucks?

Starbucks has been around since 1971, while Seven Brew is a more recent franchise. Starbucks is a staple of America. Many high school students love it. Though, it’s not just high schoolers who have fallen for the Starbucks craze. It’s college students, adults, and even young children now who love the franchise. Starbucks can appeal to many, especially because of their baked goods and sandwiches. This makes it the perfect place to stop by for not only a drink, but for a breakfast or snack too. Unlike Seven Brew, Starbucks is a shop with places set up to enjoy the day outside or cozy areas inside, to study or have a little coffee date. “I like Starbucks more [than Seven Brew] because of the environment.” Sophia Warren (9) says. She continues, “It is very cozy and has dim lighting with earthy colors which is very inviting.” Starbucks can often be a great place to meet up with friends to hang out, and is linked to good memories. Another reason Starbucks might gain favor from students is the ‘perfect study place’. It’s quiet and relaxing. The place gives an overall good-feeling, cozy vibe.  

Starbucks and Seven Brew are both very similar. After taking a quick, basic poll from students it still hasn’t been decided which one is better or more preferred. While both shops have similar pricing, Seven Brew accommodates larger sizing. This is another reason why people are drawn to the little coffee shop. Though Starbucks is more convenient for those who live in Blacksburg, it seems Seven Brew is still worth it to some.  

Overall both coffee shops have a very significant meaning to the lives of BHS students. Many students would probably collapse into themselves without the constant sip of a drink to comfort them. Both shops are very similar franchises that will forever be competition for the other. For right now Starbucks seems to be the more popular option (based on drinks seen and students’ responses), but Seven Brew is slowly working its way up into the hearts of all the coffee, latte, and fruity drink lovers at BHS.

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Written and Photographed by Adeline Elder