The corner lot next to a former Sonic Drive-In in Lexington will soon feature a drive-thru coffee shop that states its mission as revitalizing the lost art of customer service. 

Clutch Coffee Bar will open its third South Carolina location at 308 Columbia Ave (on a lot that formerly housed the Lexington office of Midlands Insurance Center), following locations opened in Rock Hill and on Devine Street in Columbia.

Clutch cofounder Darren Spicer told the Chronicle he’s optimistic the Lexington shop will open by midsummer. The old building on the site has been demolished, and the land is being cleared for the coffee bar to be constructed.

 “We just liked the area in terms of Lexington and Columbia in general,” Spicer said. “It’s a growing area now and is underserved from a drive-through coffee perspective. Not really any other brand focused on the drive-through aspect and our experience in how we deliver is different from other brands. So we felt it was a cool opportunity in the area.”

Locations of Dunkin’ and Starbucks that feature drive-throughs are located less than two miles from Clutch’s spot on Columbia Avenue.

Though the Mooresville, North Carolina-based chain is largely drive-through-focused, Spicer said the Lexington location will also have a small patio for outdoor dining and a walk-up window to order.

“The Carolinas are our focus,” said Spicer, who founded the company in 2018 with two other partners.

He said the chain has eyes on opening more locations in the Lexington/Columbia area.

“We do have a wider array of beverages such as custom infused energy drinks, 100% juice blends, smoothies, shakes and custom flavored teas,” Spicer said of what sets Clutch apart. “Another differentiating factor is when someone places an order with us, someone comes out to take the order and then puts in the order so you’re not speaking to a speaker board.”

Spicer added that Clutch is a community-centric company, with various initiatives found on their website, including donating profits to those who need help paying for medical procedures. The company claims to have donated $68, 661 to various causes and organizations.

When the Lexington location opens, Spicer said all drinks will be free on the first day.

“People can come once or 10 times, but free drinks all day,” he said. “When we opened in Columbia, we were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and did over 2,000 free drinks.”

Once it sets up shop, Clutch will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.