By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
7Brew will be opening a new coffee shop at the former location of Long John Silver's and A&W in Hays.
Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, confirmed the business opening on the Morning Blend on KAYS on Friday.
The footings are being laid at the site. Williams said the company uses prefabricated buildings, so the construction process should go quickly.
7Brew offers drive-through coffee service as well as a menu of other beverages. Other beverages include energy drinks, smoothies, tea, shakes and lemonade, according to its website.
The company has been in business since 2017, with its first store in Arkansas.
"7 Brew is so much more than just a coffee stand. It’s the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink – through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere," according to its website.
Williams said the new store is an excellent transition for that location.
Williams further discussed other redevelopment projects along the Vine Street corridor on the Morning Show.
Some of these have included Club Liquor, America Shooters, Credit Union of America at the former Love's location, the new Cerv's building, Tommy's Car Wash, Auto Zone at the former Firestone building and The Breaks.
The construction on Cerv's new building is almost complete, and Williams said he anticipates an opening near Nov. 1.
The former Rodeway Inn on north Vine is set for abatement by the city, but Williams said the owner of the property is trying to arrange for demolition before the city is forced to take action.
Williams said that should be a prime spot for development once the former motel is demolished.
He said there are also still lots behind 24/7 on north Vine, where the former Ambassador hotel was, that could be developed.
Grow Hays is still working to build a retail development north of Home Depot. He said he could not release the names of the stores at this time.
"There's a lot happening on the Vine Street corridor," he said.
Several lots north of Walmart are for sale and could be purchased for retail development, Williams.
"Activity generates activity," he said. "That's why I am excited by the Brew7 and Cervs.
"When one person starts doing something, it can spur someone else to say, 'Clearly these people are willing to make a significant investment. It must make sense.' It's validation sometimes for them to do something."
Williams said Grow Hays continues to work with Big Creek Crossing, but indoor malls are challenging because reconfiguring existing space can be expensive.
"Some tenants are not willing to go into malls," he said. "Traditional shopping malls like we have here are a tough deal. All over the country, you see them closing, being torn down and being repurposed. I hope that doesn't happen here."
Williams said he still hopes someone will take over and reopen the former AMC movie theater at Big Creek Crossing. He said he thought Hays is large enough to support a theater.
Williams said downtown retail and food service continue to be strong. Downtown Hays doesn't have many empty buildings.
Kat's Halmark has announced it is closing, but Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to several businesses about possibly going into that downtown building.