3 drive-thru coffee shops coming to SC in Beaufort and none are Starbucks. What we know
Looking for a new spot for your morning pick-me-up?
A new drive-thru coffee chain is coming to town.
Ellianos Coffee, a Southeast-based coffee chain known for its efficient drive-thru model, has announced plans to expand into South Carolina with a three-store development agreement in Beaufort.
The company has also signed a one-store development agreement in Clover, just south of Charlotte, marking its official entry into the Palmetto State – and its seventh state overall with locations either open or in development.
The next nearest Ellianos Coffee location for Beaufort residents is in Statesboro, Georgia, but the brand will soon bring its coffee, smoothies and breakfast items to the Lowcountry – all served through a drive-thru window.
What does Ellianos Coffee offer?
The brand serves a variety of espresso-based drinks, seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice beverages, smoothies, and signature creations such as the Caffè Dolce Freezer.
Customers can also expect a menu that includes food items like bagels, muffins, sweets, and sandwich options — along with vegan, “guilt-free” or low-calorie selections, plus a kids’ menu.
To view their full menu, click here.
Ellianos locations are typically compact – usually no bigger than 800 square feet – and are designed for quick service and efficient sales. The company emphasizes community connection and says it strives to focus on smaller towns and close-knit neighborhoods where franchise owners often live and work.
While exact locations and opening timelines for the Beaufort and Clover stores have not yet been announced, recent Ellianos openings, such as the newest North Carolina shop, have taken about five months from construction to opening.
For locals familiar with drive-thru coffee spots, Ellianos may remind some of 7 Brew, which has a location at 1553 Fording Island Road and another in nearby Pooler, Georgia.
About Ellianos
Founded in 2002 by entrepreneurs Scott and Pam Stewart, Ellianos was born after the couple took a trip to the Pacific Northwest and discovered the growing popularity of drive-thru coffee stands. Inspired by the concept, they brought the idea back to their hometown of Lake City, Florida.
Today, Ellianos operates 33 locations in Florida, 28 in Georgia and 11 in Alabama. The company recently opened its first North Carolina location in the Charlotte area last summer and has additional stores in development in Mississippi and Tennessee.
With more than 70 locations already operating or in development, the brand states that it is continuing to strengthen its footprint across the Southeast.
To learn more about this new coffee chain, click here to visit their webpage.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
