Growth is on the horizon for Drift Coffee + Kitchen, with plans to open multiple new locations in the Wilmington area by mid-summer. The brothers Ben and Michael Powell, who founded Drift, aim to create a community-focused coffee experience that promotes wellness through food and connection. By fall 2025, they plan to have ten operational stores and over 300 employees. The new Porters Neck cafe will be their largest yet, while the Hampstead location will cater to travelers with quick grab-and-go options. Their approach to expansion is guided by customer engagement and loyalty metrics, ensuring they maintain a unified brand experience. The Powells prioritize direct ownership of their stores to keep their culture intact. As they grow, they focus on training future leaders in hospitality. This expansion reflects their commitment to providing a holistic coffee experience, as they continue to serve thousands of customers each week.
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