Charlotte Gets Ready to Brew Competition with Dutch Bros Coffee!
Hey coffee lovers in Charlotte! Get ready to perk up because a new contender is ready to pour its heart into the Queen City. Yes, you heard it right! Dutch Bros Coffee, the popular West Coast chain known for its vibrant drive-thrus, is making plans to open its first North Carolina location at 5637 Albemarle Road. That’s right, right in the east side of town!
A Delicious Offering Awaits
In a recent permit sketch filed with the city, Dutch Bros proposed a redevelopment plan that includes a quick-serve restaurant alongside an oil change facility. Folks from Development Services Group Inc. out in Portsmouth, Virginia, shared the news, which has definitely sparked interest among local caffeine aficionados.
The chosen spot is nearly an acre large and sits right next to the former Eastland Mall site. Interestingly, this site was home to a Wells Fargo drive-thru which closed just last February. Dutch Bros is certainly stepping in at a busy intersection, promising to deliver its famous espresso-based drinks, smoothies, teas, shakes, and even some light snacks like muffin tops and granola bars.
Growth Plans in Motion
Founded back in 1992 as a humble pushcart, Dutch Bros has rapidly expanded its footprint and is now the third-largest coffee chain in the U.S., boasting 950 locations across 18 states as of September. So, keep your eyes peeled for Charlotte’s first Dutch Bros, it’s bound to bring some exciting energy to the city!
Curious about how quickly they’re expanding? Well, Dutch Bros has aggressive growth plans, aiming to open a staggering 4,000 stores in the U.S. over the next decade to fifteen years. In just the last year alone, the company opened 159 shops and has up to 165 shops lined up to open this year. Talk about a coffee boom!
Challenges for Coffee Giants
Meanwhile, the competition in Charlotte is heating up, especially with established giants like Starbucks and Dunkin’ already having a firm grasp on the market. Starbucks, which has over 38,000 stores worldwide, faced a dip in sales recently, reporting a 4% drop in revenue. Plus, with foot traffic down by 10% in the past year, they’re navigating a tricky landscape.
Dunkin’, which went private in 2021 after being acquired for a whopping $11.3 billion, has around 70 locations in Charlotte since setting up shop here in 2004. Despite their popularity, they’ll need to be careful as Dutch Bros steps onto the scene. Local coffee lovers have plenty of choices, as the Charlotte area is buzzing with numerous local and regional coffee shops that have popped up recently.
Future of Caffeine in Charlotte
So, what does this mean for coffee enthusiasts in Charlotte? With a fresh new player in the mix, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of all things coffee! Dutch Bros is ready to shake things up, serving unique drinks and bringing that signature West Coast vibe to the Carolinas.
Stay tuned! As we await the grand opening, there’s every reason to anticipate some unique drinks and delightful experiences. Will you choose to become a loyal customer of Dutch Bros, or do your taste buds lean more towards the established favorites? Only time will tell!
