Charlotte Welcomes Dutch Bros Coffee in a Stylish Banking Transformation
Charlotte, we’ve got some delicious news brewing! Get ready to embrace your morning coffee in a brand-new way because Dutch Bros Coffee is about to pop up in town! This beloved Oregon-based chain is taking over an old Wells Fargo drive-thru at 5637 Albemarle Road, which just closed its doors two months ago in February 2024. That’s right, what used to serve up bank tellers and transactions will soon serve up frothy lattes and icy drinks!
A Fresh Beginning
The new Dutch Bros location is being set up on about an acre next to the former Eastland Mall site. But Dutch Bros won’t be alone in this neighborhood! There are future plans for a fast-food joint and an oil change shop to join the coffee paradise, adding a pinch of community flair to the bustling area.
While branches of Wells Fargo are disappearing nationwide—yes, more than 60 are closing—the Dutch Bros franchise is keeping its foot on the gas pedal. In fact, they opened an impressive 159 new stores last year and plan to add another 165 by the end of 2024! Talk about a caffeine-fueled growth spurt!
From a Simple Start to Nationwide Fame
Let’s take a step back and appreciate how Dutch Bros got this far. The journey began in 1992 when two brothers, Dane and Travis Boersma, started humbly with just a single espresso machine and a modest coffee cart in Grants Pass, Oregon. Fast forward to today, and this once-niche coffee cart has blossomed into a thriving chain with around 950 shops across 18 states. They have big dreams too, seeking to expand to a whopping 4,000 U.S. stores over the next 15 years! Incredible, right?
Serving More Than Just Coffee
But hey, it’s not just coffee that Dutch Bros is dishing out. Along with that freshly brewed joe, you can savor delightful frozen drinks, a variety of teas, and fun snacks like muffin tops. It’s about creating a full experience rather than just a caffeine fix!
Stepping Into the Competitive Coffee Scene
With their expansion, Dutch Bros is stirring the pot right in the midst of coffee titans. They’re in direct competition with giants like Starbucks, which despite its massive 38,000-store presence worldwide, has actually scaled back its operations in Charlotte since 2020. While Starbucks is experiencing a 4% decline in sales, Dutch Bros is soaring high! Their third-quarter earnings hit a jaw-dropping $338 million, marking an impressive 28% increase from last year. Now that’s a victory to toast!
On another coffee note, Dunkin’ still stands strong with about 70 stores around Charlotte. Notably, Dunkin’ is now part of Inspire Brands since 2021 and operates nearly 13,000 stores globally. So, it seems there’s room for everyone in Charlotte’s vibrant coffee scene, blending local favorites with well-known chains.
A Community Connection
What makes Dutch Bros truly stand out? It’s their dedication to connecting with local communities and making each shop feel like a friendly neighborhood spot. Customers absolutely love being able to customize their drinks to fit their exact tastes, making each visit feel personal and special. So, get those taste buds ready because a coffee revolution is coming your way!
As Charlotte perks up with anticipation of the new Dutch Bros location, residents have plenty to be excited about. Prepare to sip, savor, and revel in this new addition to our lovely city’s coffee lineup!
