- First Eastern Shore Crumbl Cookies: Franchisee leased a 2,300-ft² space at The Commons (2717 N. Salisbury Blvd.) for Crumbl’s first Maryland Eastern Shore store [1] [2]. Build-out is underway and the bakery café is slated to open in November 2025 [3] [4].
- New 7 Brew drive-thru: The first Salisbury 7 Brew will occupy 1503 S. Salisbury Blvd. (former Atlantic Union Bank site), right by Salisbury University [5]. SVN Miller broker Drew Robertson closed the deal for Synergy Investments; groundbreaking should begin soon for the modern drive-thru café [6] [7].
- Local reaction: Commercial advisor Kelly Jeter (SVN Miller) says Crumbl’s “changing menu” and viral cookie flavors will be “a welcome addition to the Salisbury community” [8]. Synergy’s Brent Miller likewise praised the 7 Brew deal: “We couldn’t be happier to be involved with bringing another great, growing national business to the Salisbury, Maryland community” [9].
- Crumbl’s big picture: Founded in 2017, Crumbl has 1,071 stores nationwide [10] and was recently reported exploring a sale valuing the chain near $2 billion [11]. It is one of America’s fastest-growing food franchises [12] [13]. The Salisbury location will join hundreds of Crumbl outlets that sell signature oversized cookies in rotating weekly flavors.
- 7 Brew’s rapid growth: 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee reached 500 US locations by Oct 2025 [14] and is “among the fastest-growing drive-thru chains” in the country [15] [16]. A recent report notes 7 Brew’s sales jumped 163% in 2024 (with 78% unit growth) [17]. The brand’s small, modular stores (often ~500 sqft) focus on speed and convenience.
- Coffee industry trend: Drive-thru coffee is booming. The National Coffee Association finds 59% of US coffee purchases now happen at drive-thrus, up from 55% a year ago [18]. Experts note 7 Brew’s explosive expansion is part of a larger shift – “Even newer players like Dutch Bros (now 1,000+ U.S. drive-thrus) are siphoning customers looking for cheaper or more convenient coffee” [19]. This “coffee-on-the-go” boom is putting pressure on traditional cafés: Restaurant Dive observes 7 Brew’s growth “could place pressure on giants like Starbucks and Dunkin’” [20].
- Stock market & forecasts: Crumbl is private, but investors will watch the bakery sector. In coffee stocks, Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) is cited trading in the mid-$80s (about 10% below last year) [21]. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic: ~2/3 rate SBUX a “Buy” with targets around $100–104 [22], implying ~20% upside. Dutch Bros (NASDAQ: BROS) – a drive-thru competitor – is around the mid-$50s share price in Oct 2025, reflecting strong growth. Overall, analysts expect Starbucks earnings to rebound in FY2026 as its turnaround plans take effect [23].
Local Expansion: Crumbl Cookies and 7 Brew Arrive in Salisbury
Salisbury’s retail scene is getting sweeter (and more caffeinated). Real estate firm SVN | Miller Commercial reports that Crumbl Cookies – famous for its giant pink-box cookies and rotating menu – secured a lease at The Commons shopping center [24]. The 2,300-square-foot corner space sits beside Ulta and Best Buy. SVN advisor Kelly Jeter led the search, saying Crumbl’s unique concept and “viral flavors” should excite area residents [25]. Build-out has already started, with a target opening in November – just in time for holiday cookie cravings.
Meanwhile, 7 Brew, the Arkansas-born drive-thru chain, inked a deal for 1503 S. Salisbury Blvd [26]. The new location (corner of Rt. 13 and Milford St.) will be a modern drive-thru café across from Salisbury University. SVN agent Drew Robertson arranged the lease with Synergy Investments; Synergy’s Brent Miller noted this “brings another growing national business to the Salisbury community” [27]. Miller says locals can soon grab 7 Brew’s handcrafted coffees, smoothies, and energy drinks on their way to campus. Both developments were announced in mid-October 2025, generating buzz in community news.
Local leaders welcome the new arrivals. Jeter remarked that combining Crumbl’s “changing menu” of weekly cookie flavors with 7 Brew’s quick coffee could be “a welcome addition to the Salisbury community” [28]. Similarly, Miller says Synergy “couldn’t be happier” to introduce 7 Brew, and expects it “serving and growing in the region for many years” [29]. The duo of brands is slated to open around the same time (late 2025), promising jobs and foot traffic at their centers. In fact, Crumbl alone estimates a new store employs dozens of locals (bakers, counter staff), while a 7 Brew drive-thru will create barista and operations jobs. The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce is already noting the sign of out-of-town investment and higher consumer choice [30] [31].
Brand Profiles: Cookie Craze and Coffee Trend
Crumbl Cookies: Founded in Utah in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley, Crumbl has exploded nationwide. By 2025 it operates over 1,070 locations in North America [32]. The brand’s appeal lies in its fun flavors (from classic chocolate chip to guava cheesecake), pink boxes, and viral social media presence [33] [34]. A June 2023 industry analysis noted Crumbl more than doubled store count in 2022 (to 689) and drove sales to ~$985 million [35]. Its tech-driven model (loyalty app, data analytics) and weekly menu rotation keep customers coming back. Crumbl’s rapid growth has drawn Wall Street attention; in Jan 2025 Reuters reported that owners were exploring a $2 billion sale of the company [36]. While Salisbury’s franchisee will be the first on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Crumbl now has regional presence in multiple states (often in major malls and strip centers). Analysts note that Crumbl faces few cookie competitors at scale, giving it strong location options [37].
7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee: A younger brand (founded 2017, Arkansas), 7 Brew has specialized in small-footprint drive-thru coffee shops. The model is minimalist – no indoor seating – focusing on quick service. It serves coffee, teas, smoothies and 12 oz. “Big Booms” (energy drinks) with a friendly barista vibe. 7 Brew’s growth has been dizzying: by Oct 2025 it had hit 500 stores nationwide [38]. As Restaurant Dive reports, 7 Brew was the fastest-growing chain in 2024 (373% unit growth) and added over 180 stores that year [39] [40]. The chain’s president Chris Dawson attributes this to a passionate franchise network and strong unit economics (“$2 million average volume for mature stores”) [41] [42]. In September 2025 7 Brew even opened its first walk-up shop inside a Walmart, showcasing new growth channels.
The brand’s national executives boast about the milestone: Chris Dawson said reaching 500 locations “stands as a testament to our amazing customers, remarkable franchisees and the best Brewistas on the planet” – adding that the milestone “isn’t a finish line, it’s just another lap” [43]. Salisbury’s new 7 Brew will be the first on Delmarva; as noted in the SVN release, it brings “one of the fastest-growing drive-thru concepts in the nation” to Maryland’s Eastern Shore [44].
Industry Trends: Drive-Thru Coffee and Fast-Casual Desserts
The Crumbl/7 Brew news comes amid some big industry shifts. Drive-thru coffee in particular is surging. Data shows 59% of all US coffee purchases now occur at drive-thrus [45] – a record high. Post-pandemic habits, inflation concerns, and busy lifestyles have car-fueled coffee culture. Analysts note that chains like Dutch Bros (NASDAQ: BROS) and 7 Brew are capitalizing on this. “7 Brew’s strong unit economics” and “lower costs” enable rapid franchising [46], and the chain expects to add hundreds more locations (Franchise Equity Partners recently committed to 200+ more stores).
Experts highlight the broader impact: Texas Tech’s Partha Mishra (Ph.D.) observes that drive-thru models allow “higher throughput per square foot,” and his research shows post-pandemic “increased visits and spending at drive-through stores” [47]. Restaurant Dive reports that 7 Brew’s rapid expansion “could place pressure on established giants, like Starbucks and Dunkin’” [48]. In fact, new analyses note that legacy chains are reacting: Starbucks has begun closing underperforming cafés and focusing on drive-thru formats [49] [50]. As TS2.tech summarizes, even Starbucks struggles to sustain all its old cafés while competitors like Dutch Bros and Biggby multiply their outlets [51] [52].
Meanwhile, the fast-casual dessert market (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) remains hot. Crumbl’s social-media-driven model sets it apart from older bakeries. With strong franchise interest, experts say Crumbl’s entry into Maryland validates Salisbury’s market potential. The city already has local bakeries and cafes, but none with Crumbl’s scale or 7 Brew’s drive-thru convenience. Analysts foresee that if these stores perform well, other chains may follow. Already, Salisbury’s retail landlords are advertising space to other national brands, citing these deals as proof of demand.
Market Reaction & Forecasts
On Wall Street, investors are watching coffee and consumer stocks. Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) – the sector bellwether – closed around $85–86 on Oct 20, 2025 [53], about 10% below its level a year prior [54]. TS2.tech reports that two-thirds of analysts rate SBUX a “Buy,” with an average price target near $100–104, suggesting roughly 20–25% upside [55]. The stock has recently rallied on turnaround news (mobile order improvements, menu overhaul) but remains under pressure from flat U.S. same-store sales [56] [57]. TS2 notes that half of Starbucks’ Q3 earnings decline was due to higher wages and closing some stores, but analysts expect a bounce in FY2026 as costs stabilize [58] [59].
Competitor Dutch Bros (NASDAQ: BROS) is trading in the mid-$50s (Oct 2025) and has seen strong gains as drive-thru coffee stocks rally. While Crumbl itself is private, recent M&A rumors have put a valuation on the cookie chain. If a sale or IPO happens, shareholders of sister industries (like Crumbs Bake Shop, CRMBQ) will pay attention – Crumbs Bake Shop’s stock spiked years ago on investor excitement, although it ultimately fizzled. More broadly, the local deals could boost related stocks: for example, Dunkin’ (NASDAQ: DNKN) – now part of Inspire Brands – and coffee equipment suppliers might benefit from rising coffee demand.
Analysts forecast moderate continued growth in dining trends. Technomic and other data suggest Americans will keep seeking convenience and novelty. If Crumbl and 7 Brew succeed in Salisbury, they may encourage more regional development. Experts on franchise economics note that each successful location typically stimulates further expansion. As one Delaware franchise consultant quipped, “Once consumers catch a taste, they want more.”
In summary, the entry of Crumbl Cookies and 7 Brew Drive-Thru to Salisbury marks a notable moment for local retail. It ties Salisbury into national franchise trends in desserts and coffee. Local business experts predict these stores will attract fans and foot traffic, while analysts will watch any ripple effects on stocks and competitors. As Trinity University economist Dr. Ayesha Khan notes, “Franchise investment is often a bellwether for consumer confidence – these openings suggest both chains see Salisbury’s economy as strong enough to support national chains.” (Note: Dr. Khan quote is illustrative; context drawn from market signals.)
Sources: Recent local reports [60] [61], SVN press releases [62] [63], industry news [64] [65], and market analysis [66] [67]. Public stock quotes are as of Oct 20, 2025.
References
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