Southwest Florida’s coffee wars are heating up. A wave of drive-thru chains is crowding busy roads with small stores, big expansion plans and plenty of caffeine, betting there are enough commuters to keep everyone’s windows busy.
Panera Bread is expanding again in Charlotte County. Its newest bakery-cafe opened at Punta Gorda Station with a drive-thru, digital ordering and a fundraising program that will return 30% of qualifying event sales to local groups.
Dutch Bros Coffee is eyeing the former Sonic site in East Naples, while Just Salad opens its first Southwest Florida location and Empire Bagel Factory adds three more locations across the region.
Burger Monger is expanding into Southwest Florida with new drive-thru restaurants in North Naples and Fort Myers, taking over two former Kelly's Roast Beef locations. The Florida-based chain plans to introduce its signature smashburgers, shakes and more.
Chick-fil-A will open its fourth Collier County location May 21 in the City Gate commerce park. The new restaurant will feature two drive-thru lanes and offer giveaways on opening day, along with a donation to Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Punta Gorda officials approved plans for a 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru on Tamiami Trail after the developer agreed to revise the building’s facade to better match nearby architecture.
Several fast-food and drive-thru coffee restaurants are planned along Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Dutch Bros and Roadies Pit Stop, following development order approvals by Lee County.
Kelly’s Roast Beef has closed its final Southwest Florida restaurant after less than a year in operation. The Boston-based chain shut its Collier County drive-thru in late January, following earlier regional closures.
