I want to clarify before the content of the post that this is my review of multiple 7 Brew experiences. 9 Mile was just the first particular location I visited, but the experience ties them all together.
TLDR; Went to multiple locations trying to redeem a coupon I was sent the mail, and between the confusion about a hidden menu drink, and redirection about whether or not coupons were accepted, I had a decent few experiences.
I'm a person who drinks coffee primarily from my Keurig at home and I don't visit coffee places very often. However, I received a promo in the mail from 7 Brew that had coupons as well as a copy of their menu. Both the Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew and Snickerdoodle Mocha caught my eye, and I figured I could use the "1 Free Small Coffee" coupon that I cut out from corner of the mail promo.
I went to the 9 Mile location, and despite seeing the Snickerdoodle Mocha on the mail promo, it wasn't on the board at the shop. I asked the server if they had it, the server said they did not. Since I didn't have my coupon with me that day, I figured I could get the Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew then, and maybe try a different 7 Brew for the Snickerdoodle Mocha.
Few days later, I'm at the Davis location, I ask if they have the Snickerdoodle Mocha, server says: "Yes, we do, it's actually on the hidden menu. The 9 Mile location does have it, they just maybe didn't know where to find it or how to make it." Didn't take it too seriously, showed her the small coffee coupon, and she says that her specific location doesn't accept the coupons because they're for new stores only, but to try the Creighton/9th Avenue location that's 5 minutes away. So I cancel my order and drive over.
At the third location, I ask about the Snickerdoodle Mocha, answer is yes, they've got it, I present my coupon, server taking my order asks if he can call his supervisor to see if they accept coupons. He returns and tells me: "I'm afraid we're unable to accept this coupon, however, my suggestion would be for you to try the 9 Mile location if you'd like to redeem it." I ended up buying the Snickerdoodle Mocha anyway.
Ultimately, I understand the: "Participating Locations Only" fine print. They're on every coupon for every store as a failsafe. However... my main issues were: 1. If you're going to have a drink that you're prominently advertising via mail promo, please don't make the drink hidden either on the menu, or to the employees at the locations. 2. In giving three separate locations a try, I thought for sure one of them would've accepted or at least considered comping the small coffee coupon I brought from the advertisement for a new coffee chain to the Pensacola area. I'm not enthusiastic about trying 7 Brew again because I had the other coupons in mind for additional visits, but I'd rather not go through the trouble.
On a positive note, I think it's the fastest I've had coffee in hand after placing my order, and I thought that both the Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew and Snickerdoodle Mocha were great ideas, and pretty good taste-wise now that I've had both of them. Overall, other reviews of 7 Brew seem to indicate the young staff may just not have enough customer service to make the mark. If you deliver on customer service initiatives like this promo, and provide a bit of constructive support for team members at locations, I think I'd consider going again. Overall, for my experiences good and bad, they balance at 3 stars.