The Face Of Convenience 2025
For nearly 50 years, Brew Thru has been serving up convenience via its drive-thru stores on the Outer Banks. At its five locations—including Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Jockey’s Ridge—customers literally drive through the store buildings to shop without leaving the comfort of their vehicles. Beach gear, ice, snacks and beverages, featuring more than 120 brands of beer and a large variety of wines, plus more are all available at Brew Thru. With a fun new design each year, the iconic Brew Thru t-shirt is a collector-worthy souvenir paralleling the popularity of the remarkable drive-thru shopping experience.
Since 1977, when the business was launched by Dana and Becky Lawrentz along with a partner, Brew Thru has been providing customers an interesting and convenient store format that you just don’t see every day. “Brew Thru is appealing to a wide variety of folks—locals, out-of-towners, 10-year-returners,” says General Manager Danielle Luper. “It’s the best, most unique store model because you don’t have to get out of the car.”
When customers drive their vehicle “into” the store, they are handed a Summer-y, a playful nod to “summary,” product listing to help them shop. The staff’s favorites, referred to as “Big D’s Picks,” are tagged with a thumbs up symbol next to the item.
In 2002, current Brew Thru President Philip Foreman and his wife, Brandy, both of whom grew up on the Outer Banks, purchased the company from Brandy’s parents. Grateful to be the longest-running convenience store on the Outer Banks, Foreman says that their team is always looking for fresh, new ideas to ensure that customers are getting what they want. With seltzers remaining a very popular trend with consumers, in early May Brew Thru stores will start offering THC seltzers, considered part of the “functional beverages” category. “We’re excited about adding another category that we think customers will like,” says Foreman.
A top priority at Brew Thru is that they have the friendliest staff possible. When hiring “car tenders,” who handle customer orders and load items into vehicles, it is imperative that employees are committed to creating special experiences for customers so they will want to return. Foreman admits, “Our goal is for customers to say, ‘Man, I love that place.’”
Brew Thru
888-Bru-Thru | BrewThru.com
Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge
Pictured Above:
Danielle Luper, General Manager
Philip Foreman, Owner