Lexington’s new Canal Coffee is one of many drive-thru coffee joints in the area.

Scheduled to open Feb. 8, Canal Coffee is at 510 Columbia Ave. in Lexington near downtown and the Lexington County Museum. This won't be Lexington County's first location; the business’s website lists one in Irmo at 11115 Broad River Rd. near Food Lion and one in South Congaree at 669 Main St. near Congaree Elementary School.

“Canal Coffee Co. invites the Lexington community to celebrate our grand opening Feb. 8 with exciting events, including 50% off our popular ‘Sweet and Salty Mocha’—served hot or cold,” according to a press release. “The first 500 customers will receive free custom stickers with any purchase, and kids can pick up a Canal Coffee Co. coloring page and turn in their completed sheet for a free kid’s hot chocolate.”

These coffee joints are not for catching up on work or meeting friends; they’re for grabbing your coffee and pastry while on your way to work, for example.

Lexington and Richland counties have plenty of them. 7 Brew, Scooter’s Coffee, Clutch Coffee Bar and Biggby Coffee are some of the big names in the area, along with Canal Coffee.

Typically around 700 square feet, these buildings only have enough room for their employees and materials needed for business. Most of these drive-thru coffee joints don’t have customer seating or restrooms—just a drive-thru and a few parking spaces.

A 2020 article from Perfect Daily Grind said that the “main advantage that a drive-thru coffee shop offers is simple: it provides a speedy, convenient option in a high-traffic area where a regular dine-in café might not succeed.”

Canal Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Founded in 2023, Canal Coffee Co. is a family-owned, drive-thru coffee shop serving specialty drinks, hot breakfast, baked goods and lunch,” according to the press release. “We are dedicated to supporting local communities by contributing a portion of our sales to causes we believe in. With locations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, Canal Coffee Co. continues to grow and spread joy.”