A surprising up-and-coming coffee chain took the top spot in
Yelp’s third annual list of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Brands.
The report found that 7 Brew, the Southern-based drive-thru coffee chain with approximately 800 locations across 38 states,
is the fastest-growing brand in the U.S. Consumer interest in the coffee chain grew 244% in 2025, a massive leap from its position as 23rd in 2024, the first year the brand appeared on the
list.
Yelp attributes 7 Brew’s success to giving customers what they want: a personalized, customized experience, offering more than 20,000 unique drink combinations, including
proprietary energy and shake offerings.
“Value has evolved. It's no longer just about price—it's about what a brand gives you in return for your attention and your time,”
said Sarah Chang, vice president, head of enterprise at Yelp, in a release. “The fastest growing brands deliver joy for every dollar spent. They give consumers control, whether that's
countless drink combinations … or a chicken sandwich customized to your exact specifications. Personalization is what's driving loyalty today.”
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Yelp compiled its third annual list
of the Fastest Growing Brands based on a “blended weighted metric of net new business openings, consumer interest, and Yelp searches in 2025 as compared to 2024.”
Additional coffee
brands included in the report include Black Rock Coffee Bar at #8, Scooter's Coffee at #13 and Dutch Bros. at #38.
The report also cites the popularity of all beverage-forward concepts, such
as Smoothie King ,which ranked #2 and Sonic Drive-In which came in at #48.
After coffee, chicken chains dominated the report, taking eight positions and becoming the single most dominant
cuisine category, which the report attributed to American’s current obsession with protein, as well as the variety provided in preparation methods. Southern chicken chain Bojangles came in
at #3, Wingstop at #10, Nashville hot Dave’s Hot Chicken at #18, Zaxby’s at #22, Popeye’s at #29, Korean-fried at bb.q Chicken at #49, and even gas station chicken, ranked with
Krispy Krunchy Chicken at #34 and Champs Chicken at #45.
Additional fast-casual and QSR brands appearing on the Fastest Growing Brands list include Paris Baguette at #5, Nothing Bundt
Cakes at #9, LongHorn Steakhouse at #11, Taco Bell at #12, Playa Bowls at #13, Jimmy John’s at #21, Firehouse Subs at #23, Cava at #31, IHOP at #33, Chipotle at #35, Whataburger at #37, Cold
Stone Creamery at #41, Domino’s at #43 and Potbelly Sandwich Works at #47.