HIRAM, Ga. — A new drive-thru café concept backed by Chick-fil-A has officially opened in Hiram, bringing espresso drinks, smoothies and portable breakfast options to one of Paulding County’s busiest corridors.
The restaurant, called Daybright Coffee and Refreshment, is located on Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway and began serving customers this week. The concept was developed by Red Wagon Ventures, Chick-fil-A’s innovation arm focused on testing new restaurant ideas outside the company’s traditional chicken-focused model.
What Is Daybright?
Unlike a standard Chick-fil-A location, Daybright centers on handcrafted beverages and lighter fare designed for customers on the move. The menu features:
- Espresso drinks and cold brew coffee
- Fresh smoothies and cold-pressed juices
- Iced teas and specialty “fizz” beverages
- Oven-baked donuts
- Breakfast burritos and pressed sandwiches
The restaurant includes a dual-lane drive-thru and a dine-in area, giving commuters and families flexibility depending on their schedule.
Why Hiram?
While company officials have not publicly detailed why Hiram was selected, the city’s rapid residential growth and steady commuter traffic make it a strategic testing ground. Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway is one of the area’s primary commercial corridors, connecting neighborhoods with retail centers and major roadways.
Hiram and the greater Paulding County area have seen continued development in recent years, with new housing subdivisions and commercial projects fueling demand for quick, convenient dining options — particularly in the morning and early afternoon hours.
When and Where
Daybright is open Monday through Saturday from early morning through evening hours and follows Chick-fil-A’s longstanding practice of remaining closed on Sundays.
The location marks one of the first public rollouts of the Daybright brand, signaling Chick-fil-A’s continued interest in diversifying beyond its traditional quick-service footprint.
The Bigger Picture
For Chick-fil-A, Daybright represents more than a new storefront — it’s an expansion into the specialty beverage and café market, competing in a space dominated by national coffee chains and local boutique cafés. For Hiram residents, it adds another locally accessible option for coffee runs, breakfast meetings and afternoon refreshment stops.
As the concept takes root in West Georgia, community response may help determine whether Daybright expands to additional markets in the future.
