HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Land Use Board has unanimously approved plans to demolish an existing Raceway gas station on Mountain Avenue and replace it with a 7 Brew Coffee drive-through location, according to minutes from the board’s Aug. 25 meeting.
The board approved an application submitted by GB7, LLC, for preliminary and final major site plan approval, along with several bulk variances and design exceptions, for the property at 220 Mountain Ave.
The proposed development includes a 510-square-foot coffee building with an attached 260-square-foot cooler connected by a canopy. The facility would feature two drive-through lanes and a walk-up window, with no indoor or outdoor customer seating permitted under the board’s approval.
The business would serve coffee, energy drinks, teas and sodas, with no on-site food preparation. Unlike traditional drive-through establishments, employees would take orders directly from customers at their vehicles using handheld devices rather than a speaker system.
During testimony before the board, the franchise operator outlined proposed operating hours of 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Peak staffing is expected to range from six to eight employees.
The site would include 10 parking spaces, including one accessible space, primarily intended for employees. The two drive-through lanes would accommodate approximately 18 vehicles, with a separate bypass lane allowing drivers to leave the queue if necessary.
Traffic circulation was a major topic of discussion during the hearing, particularly the potential impact on Mountain Avenue. According to the minutes, board members expressed concerns about vehicles attempting to turn left onto Mountain Avenue, especially during peak commuting hours when traffic congestion could make exiting the property difficult.
Traffic engineer John Corak of Stonefield Engineering & Design testified that the proposed drive-through configuration would accommodate up to 18 queued vehicles and was designed to prevent backups onto Mountain Avenue. He also acknowledged that left turns could be more difficult during periods of heavy traffic.
As part of the approval, the applicant agreed to implement a one-way traffic circulation pattern, including counterclockwise movement in front of the building, along with additional directional signage and pavement markings to guide vehicles entering and exiting the property.
The board also required a traffic review within 120 days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Traffic operations would be evaluated, and a report submitted to the board engineer and Hackettstown Police Department for review.
Depending on the findings, additional traffic measures may be required, including restrictions on left turns during peak hours or a complete prohibition on left-turn movements if warranted by safety concerns. The board also discussed the possibility of taking action earlier if significant traffic problems arise before the end of the review period.
The project includes proposed improvements to landscaping, lighting, signage and stormwater management. According to testimony presented during the meeting, the redevelopment would reduce impervious coverage on the property from approximately 52.1% to 38.5%.
The existing gas station canopy, kiosk, fuel pumps and associated paved areas would be demolished. Underground fuel tanks would also be removed in accordance with state environmental regulations under the supervision of a licensed site remediation professional.
The property contains freshwater wetlands and a riparian zone toward the rear of the site. The applicant indicated that applications had been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for required approvals involving disturbance within floodplain and flood fringe areas.
The board also reviewed proposed signage, including three building-mounted signs and a freestanding monument sign. Several members questioned whether all four signs were necessary, and the applicant agreed to work with board professionals to potentially reduce or modify the signage.
Additional conditions of approval include reviewing the feasibility of more landscaping near the property’s exit, evaluating and replacing portions of the existing sidewalk as necessary, complying with lighting and accessibility requirements, and obtaining all required outside agency approvals, including those from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJDEP, if applicable.
The motion to approve the application was made by board member Anthony and seconded by board member Moore. All 10 voting members supported the application, with no opposition or abstentions.
According to the company’s website, 7 Brew was founded in northwest Arkansas in 2017 and had expanded to seven stands by 2020. The company was purchased by an entrepreneurial group on Jan. 7, 2020, and began operating under Brew Culture LLC.
The company says its drive-through business model focuses on customized, handcrafted beverages, fast service and customer interactions. According to its website, 7 Brew now serves more than 1 million drinks per day.
A construction timeline and anticipated opening date for the proposed Hackettstown location have not yet been announced.
RNJ has reached out to 7 Brew Coffee for comment.
