Minnetonka City Council Approves 7 Brew Coffee Shop Following Staff Recommendation
Minnetonka City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and site plans for a new 7 Brew coffee shop on Highway 7, following staff recommendations that highlighted the project's adherence to city code and minimal traffic impact.
Minnetonka City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and final site and building plans for a new 7 Brew coffee shop at 17501 Highway 7 during its recent meeting. The 4-0 vote by the four seated council members followed a comprehensive staff report that recommended approval, asserting the project met all city code standards and presented a viable development for the site.
Drew Ingolson, representing city staff, presented the detailed analysis to the council, emphasizing that the proposed drive-thru coffee shop, slated for the southeast corner of the Highway 7 and County Road 101 intersection, had successfully navigated all regulatory hurdles.
Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the resolution approving a conditional use permit and final site and building plans for 7 Brew at 17501 Highway 7. It meets all of the city code standards looking at the zoning district design standards, parking standards, CUP standards, and site and building plan review.
Ingolson also addressed potential traffic concerns, noting that a review of accident data for the existing access point revealed a minimal history of incidents.
The first thing they looked at was accidents, what's been happening out here. There has not been any accidents at this access point in the past five years, and there's been two in the past 10 years.
Staff's report also acknowledged a consultant's recommendation regarding an ADA parking stall but clarified that current ADA law required the stall to remain in its proposed closest position to the entrance.
Council Deliberation and Developer Commitments
During the discussion, council members raised questions concerning traffic flow, particularly from Hutchins Drive, and the practicality of the business model's outdoor service in Minnesota's winter climate. Commissioner Hansen inquired about signage to direct traffic towards the preferred northern access point from Hutchins Drive.
Mike Gustoson, representing the applicant, addressed these concerns, stating that 7 Brew typically does not pre-plan extensive signage but would implement up to four illuminated signs if required to ensure safe traffic patterns. He also highlighted the company's commitment to community, noting their aim to employ 50 to 60 local youth in a 'fun environment' and the rapid growth of the company from 140 to over 500 stores in 30 months.
Parking lots are necessary, but they're not always pretty. And quite frankly, I've seen this as an underused parking lot for years. I like the way that the city's come up with this plan for adding the extra spaces if needed. I think that's a really intelligent way to go.
While Commissioner Hansen viewed the coffee shop as a 'nice complimenting feature' for the area, Chair Maxwell voiced a unique concern about the drive-thru model's reliance on employees constantly moving in and out in cold weather.
Variance Requests Postponed
Separately, the council postponed decisions on two variance requests, one for a front yard setback at 4241 Winchester Court and another for a rear yard setback at 15020 Tamar Lane. These items required five affirmative votes for approval, and with only four members seated, the necessary quorum for these specific actions could not be met.
Next item on the agenda is approval of the agenda. And since we only have four people seated, there are two items that require five affirmative votes.
The council's approval of the 7 Brew project marks another step in the commercial development of the Highway 7 corridor, reflecting staff's detailed review and the council's consideration of both community impact and economic growth. The postponed variance requests are expected to be revisited at the December 4th meeting.
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Votes (4)
Postponement of Variance Items to December 4th Meeting
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Minion [Timestamp ~0:06:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Hansen [Timestamp ~0:06:30]
Due to only four commissioners present (two absent), the commission lacked the five affirmative votes required for variance decisions. Two items were postponed: (1) front yard setback variance for garage at 4241 Winchester Court, and (2) rear yard setback variance for garage at 15020 Tamar Lane. Chair Maxwell noted apologies to members of the public who may have attended for these items.
Approval of Agenda (Remaining Items)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Brink [Timestamp ~0:07:30] · Seconded by Commissioner Minion [Timestamp ~0:07:45]
After postponing the two variance items, the commission voted to approve the remainder of the agenda.
Approval of October 30th Meeting Minutes
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Brink [Timestamp ~0:09:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Minion [Timestamp ~0:09:15]
No changes were noted to the minutes from the October 30th, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
7 Brew Coffee Shop Conditional Use Permit and Site/Building Plan Review
Dissent: Chair Maxwell expressed concern about the sliding door operational model in Minnesota winters but voted in favor, noting the concern was a business issue rather than a land use issue. No commissioners voted against the motion.
Moved by Commissioner Minion [Timestamp ~1:25:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Hansen [Timestamp ~1:25:15]
Staff presented a comprehensive review of the proposed 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop at 17501 Highway 7. The 12-acre site currently contains a large shared parking lot (482 spaces) serving multiple tenants including Culver's, Northern Tool, and others. The proposal includes two prefabricated buildings (510 sq ft total) with a drive-thru accommodating up to 19 vehicles, exceeding the city code minimum of six. Key discussion points included: (1) Traffic impact: SRF Consulting found a 0.5% increase in traffic (104 daily trips, 26 peak hour exits), with adequate gap times (8.5 seconds vs. 6.5 second requirement) for vehicles exiting onto Highway 7. (2) Parking: The project creates a 16-space deficit, but city code allows proof of parking via striping of existing pavement if needed. (3) ADA compliance: The ADA parking space must remain closest to the building per ADA law, despite traffic consultant recommendation to relocate it; staff will work with applicant on alternative solutions. (4) Stormwater: Underground storage chambers will handle site drainage; no surface mitigation possible due to existing pavement. (5) Environmental: Minnesota DNR had no comments; MDOT noted existing concerns with Highway 7/County Road 101 intersection access and recommended exploring closure or modification of the Highway 7 access point. (6) Design: The building features brick-like concrete material with blue metal accents; similar architectural style to neighboring Culver's. (7) Operations: The applicant emphasized the drive-thru-only model with sliding doors (no external speaker), quick service (3.5-4.5 minutes average), employment of 50-60 part-time youth, and monthly product rotation. (8) Sustainability: The building exceeds energy code standards with efficient envelope, air dams on doors, and electric/gas heating based on regional appropriateness. Commissioners raised concerns about: (a) Highway 7 survey/safety study timing and potential future access changes; (b) traffic flow coordination with Culver's and directional signage; (c) the hose across the parking lot serving the flower shop as a potential trip hazard for disabled patrons; (d) the business model of having staff constantly opening sliding doors in Minnesota winter weather; (e) whether the ADA parking space could be blocked during peak drive-thru times. The applicant addressed most concerns, noting that staff would stop drive-thru flow to allow ADA space users to exit, that directional signage (non-branded) would be added, and that they would investigate the hose issue with the property owner. Staff added conditions requiring: closure of the northern drive aisle if crashes occur, employee-only designation for non-ADA internal parking, and bike rack installation.
Notable Quotes (11)
Um, next item on the agenda is approval of the agenda. And since we only have four people seated, there are two items that require five affirmative votes.
Staff is recommending that the city council adopt the resolution approving a conditional use permit and final site and building plans for 7 Brew at 17501 Highway 7... it meets all of the city code standards looking at the zoning district design standards, parking standards, cup standards, and site and building plan review.
The first thing they looked at was accidents, what's been happening out here... there has not been any accidents at this access point in the past 5 years and there's been two in the past 10 years.
One recommendation from our consultant was to relocate an ADA parking stall... However, staff has talked with our building official who is our resident expert on ADA parking and they said it would need to stay there because it has to be per ADA law. It has to be the closest parking space available.
I'm wondering about like signage in the parking lot to say like do you prefer like does the city prefer people go like around the north kind of if you're coming in off of the side street is Hutchkins?
We normally do not show that on plans until we actually get assigned a requirement and code that we can put in X that can be illuminated. They have to be 3 ft above the ground... We have put up to four on a property before to ensure that our traffic patterns are adequate and safe on that.
Seven Brews goal um is to to bring a great product and uh you know we we tend to employ between 50 and 60 typically youth... It's a fun environment. Um we uh there is no external uh audio ordering menu boards.
We have an area development agreement within the Minneapolis area to build out 50 stores... And we're a negotiation authority to not sign leases within those territories or purchase land... the overall company has had a massive growth over the past uh 30 months. Uh it's actually gone from 140 stores to over 500.
Parking lots are necessary, but they're not always pretty. And quite frankly, uh, I've seen this as an underused parking lot for years... I like the way that the city's come up with this plan for adding the extra spaces if needed. I think that's a really intelligent way to go.
I'm a little questioning the um, business model just for Minnesota of having sliding doors with people constantly in and out and in bringing you your hot coffee and these poor high school students are going to be so cold. I would never go here in the winter because I would feel so guilty asking someone to do that.
I think this adds a a nice complimenting feature for this neck of the woods... I think this will be a real nice ad for this part of Minnetonka. So looking forward to this thriving.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Long-term vision document for the 12-acre site; envisioned additional smaller buildings pushed away from Purgatory Creek with trail connections; 7 Brew proposal deemed consistent with this plan.
Land use permit required for coffee shop with drive-thru at 17501 Highway 7; recommended for approval by Planning Commission; to be heard by City Council on December 8th, 2025.
Final site and building plan approval for 7 Brew; includes parking, stormwater, landscaping, and traffic circulation details.
Professional traffic analysis commissioned by the city to evaluate impacts on adjacent roads, site circulation, drive-through operations, and necessary improvements for 7 Brew site.
Ongoing safety study by Minnesota Department of Transportation covering Highway 7 from Hopkins to St. Bonifacius; identified existing concerns with Highway 7/County Road 101 intersection access point.
City's comprehensive plan; subject to amendments and reviews by Planning Commission; referenced as codifying balance between individual rights and community responsibilities.
City zoning regulations; 7 Brew site is in B2 district; project meets all zoning standards including building height, setbacks, floor ratio, lot coverage, and access requirements.
City regulations governing subdivisions; Planning Commission makes recommendations on subdivision applications to City Council.
Two-lot subdivision at Old Excelsior Boulevard and Sparrow Road; approved by City Council on November 10th, 2025.
Concept plan for care facility at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad (old Omagon site); received City Council support on November 10th; formal application expected January 2026.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Planning Commission Procedural Overview
Postponement of Two Variance Items
7 Brew Coffee Shop Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review
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