7 Brew Drive-Thru Plans Hit Roadblock in Rockford

It just never is that easy, is it? That's what I was thinking when I saw the news this morning, mentioning that 7 Brew, which we were so excited about, is apparently hitting a speed bump in development.

READ MORE: New Coffee Chain Planning Rockford Location

7 Brew Drive-Thru Development Hits a Speed Bump in Rockford

In case you didn't know, 7 Brew was going to put in a new drive-thru at Riverside and North Bell School, but it looks like there are some hurdles at the moment.

Rockford planners are balking at plans that include:

• Too much pavement
• Excessive parking
• Wide drive aisles
• Missing required landscaping

Why Rockford Planners Are Pushing Back on 7 Brew Plans

7 Brew also wants the Riverside median removed in order to allow full left turns, using traffic congestion as the explanation for the ask.

Zoning Board and Rockford City Council Could Decide 7 Brew’s Fate

If that's the case, you know how many businesses would have benefited from a median removal? Tons. Not to mention how many would still be here if they just had direct access from the street instead of using a service road or entrance blocks away from the business's actual entrance.

I bet the Sonic that shared the parking lot with Menard's would love a word.

READ MORE: Rockford Median Debate Sparks Business Access Concerns

Machesney Park 7 Brew May Open Before Rockford Location

Anyway, the Zoning Board of Appeals will review the request later this week, and while staff appears to be denying the appeal, 7 Brew might go to the Rockford City Council in hopes of getting their wish.

Good thing there's already one planned for Machesney Park, because you'll probably see that one open first.