Wappingers Falls, January 6, 2026
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the long-vacant Sonic Drive-In site on Route 9 in Wappingers Falls into a new drive-thru 7 Brew Coffee stand. The project aims to demolish the existing structure and build a prefabricated coffee shop designed for speedy service. If approved, this development could revitalize a prominent local spot that has been empty since 2016.
Wappingers Falls, NY
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the long-vacant Sonic Drive-In location on Route 9 in Wappingers Falls into a new 7 Brew Coffee stand.
The former Sonic Drive-In, which closed in 2016, has remained unoccupied for nearly a decade. The building’s unique drive-in design posed challenges for potential tenants, leading to prolonged vacancy. In 2019, the site was temporarily transformed to resemble a 1970s-era McDonald’s for the HBO miniseries “I Know This Much Is True,” but reverted to disrepair after filming concluded.
Recent documents filed with the Town of Wappinger Planning Board indicate plans for 7 Brew Coffee to occupy the property at 1506 Route 9. The proposal includes demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new, drive-thru-only coffee stand. The proposed building would be a 510-square-foot prefabricated structure, accompanied by a 338-square-foot remote cooler and storage unit. Both components would be manufactured off-site in Missouri and delivered ready for installation, expediting construction. A canopy would extend from each side of the building to protect employees and customers during ordering and pickup.
7 Brew Coffee, established in 2017, operates over 600 locations across nearly 40 states, including 14 in New York. The company specializes exclusively in beverages, offering made-to-order coffee, tea, Italian sodas, smoothies, shakes, energy drinks, and hot chocolate. The business model emphasizes a fast, upbeat service designed to keep cars moving, with no interior or exterior seating.
The drive-thru lanes would be accessed from the existing plaza parking lot, with space to accommodate up to 35 vehicles in the queue. Peak demand is estimated at 14 vehicles, based on observations at other New York locations. Existing entrance and exit points along Route 9 would remain unchanged.
If approved by the Planning Board, this project would revitalize one of Route 9’s most visible vacant properties, potentially transforming it into a bustling coffee stand that serves the community’s needs.
Key Features of the Proposed Development
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Location | 1506 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY |
| Current Structure | Former Sonic Drive-In building, closed since 2016 |
| Proposed Business | 7 Brew Coffee stand with drive-thru-only service |
| Building Specifications | 510-square-foot prefabricated structure with a 338-square-foot remote cooler and storage unit |
| Drive-Thru Capacity | Up to 35 vehicles in the queue, with peak demand estimated at 14 vehicles |
| Service Model | Fast, upbeat service with no interior or exterior seating, focusing exclusively on beverages |
FAQ
What is the proposed development for the former Sonic Drive-In location in Wappingers Falls?
The proposal involves demolishing the existing Sonic Drive-In building and constructing a new 7 Brew Coffee stand with a drive-thru-only service.
What is 7 Brew Coffee?
7 Brew Coffee is a beverage-focused company offering made-to-order coffee, tea, Italian sodas, smoothies, shakes, energy drinks, and hot chocolate. Established in 2017, it operates over 600 locations across nearly 40 states, including 14 in New York.
Why has the Sonic Drive-In location remained vacant for so long?
The unique drive-in design of the building made it challenging for other businesses to occupy the space, leading to prolonged vacancy since its closure in 2016.
What is the expected capacity of the drive-thru lanes?
The drive-thru lanes are designed to accommodate up to 35 vehicles in the queue, with peak demand estimated at 14 vehicles based on observations at other New York locations.
When is construction expected to begin?
The timeline for construction depends on approval from the Planning Board. If approved, construction would commence promptly to revitalize the property.
Now Happening on X
- @northescambia (January 4, 2026): A new 7 Brew Coffee location is proposed for the Nine Mile and Pine Forest intersection. View on X
- @jshoreonline (December 31, 2025): 7 Brew Coffee has filed plans for a new drive-thru stand in Brick at Chambers Bridge Road, with a Planning Board hearing scheduled for January. View on X
- @bricktownonline (December 31, 2025): Plans are in place for a new 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru location in Brick, featuring a Planning Board hearing next month. View on X
- @nwi_jsp (January 4, 2026): New business updates include openings for 7 Brew Coffee, along with other local restaurants and closures in the area. View on X
- @FastCasual (December 30, 2025): 7 Brew Coffee is set to double its footprint to 600 units in 2025, highlighting rapid expansion in the drive-thru coffee sector. View on X
- @ccdr (December 31, 2025): The Cañon City School District has agreed to sell property to 7 Brew Coffee for a new development. View on X
- @Local12 (January 1, 2026): Model Group plans to build a $9 million housing project in Over-the-Rhine, focusing on local real estate development. View on X
- @69NewsBusiness (January 1, 2026): A popular Berks County café is expanding with a second location opening in the new year, reflecting local business growth. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
