Mikoto Sushi and Ramen manager Ivan Borja

When Tyler was battling a brutal winter storm, with hundreds of people without power or water, Mikoto Sushi and Ramen manager Ivan Borja and his team provided meals for the community.

“It wasn’t just what I was doing, it was what the community was doing at the time,” Borja told 7 Brew. “A lot of people lost their power… if they don’t even have heat, what are they eating? So I just wanted to do what I knew I could do — to serve a hot meal, a fresh meal… a meal that had nothing but love toward anybody that needed it.”

As recognition for his efforts, 7 Brew Coffee — a drive-thru coffee shop franchise — named him February Hero, and now he and 11 other heroes from across the nation are up for the 7 Brew’s Hero of the Year award.

In a video, 7 Brew representatives said Borja received $500 and free coffee for a year in recognition of his February award.

“But in true servant leadership fashion, Ivan gave it back to his employees,” said Emma Anderson, marketing specialist for 7 Brew.

Throughout 2023, 7 Brew Coffee identified 12 nationwide heroes who best identified the coffee shop’s belief in cultivating kindness.

Voting is now open through Jan. 12 for 7 Brew’s Hero of the Year award, and through an announcement on Jan. 31, a $10,000 grand prize will be awarded to the winner.

To vote for Hero of the Year, visit 7brew.com/heroes.

7 Brew is a rapidly growing coffee brand that is revolutionizing how customers experience drive-thru coffee service and think about their daily energy boost. 7 Brew serves espresso-based coffee, chillers, teas, 7 Energy, sodas, and more, all with an extra boost of kindness from their team.

The dream of 7 Brew came alive with the first “stand” in Rogers, Arkansas, and its seven original coffees. Now, 7 Brew boasts more than 150 stands across the country.

For more information, visit 7 Brew’s website, 7brew.com/.