Charlotte Welcomes Dutch Bros Coffee’s First Shop!
Exciting news, Charlotte! The popular coffee chain Dutch Bros Coffee is making its debut in our city by transforming an old Wells Fargo drive-thru bank into a vibrant new coffee shop. Located at 5637 Albemarle Road, this spot is just a stone’s throw away from the old Eastland Mall site, and it’s just what the coffee-loving folks here have been waiting for!
Banking on Coffee
This former Wells Fargo branch only closed its doors a couple of months ago, in February 2024. But instead of leaving a void, Dutch Bros is swooping in to serve up delicious coffee, tasty frozen drinks, teas, and those irresistible muffin tops that have the whole nation raving. That’s right, this community is in for a sweet treat!
Big Plans for a Big Area
But wait, there’s more! This new coffee shop won’t be flying solo. The location is next to an upcoming fast-food joint and an oil change shop, making it a perfect stop for both quick meals and quick refills on your morning caffeine fix! It sounds like the area is on track to become a local hotspot, and we can’t wait to see what else comes next.
Dutch Bros on a Roll!
As many banks across the country close their doors—over 60 Wells Fargo branches recently went dark—Dutch Bros continues to light up the coffee scene. Can you believe they launched 159 stores just last year? And they’re not stopping there! Plans are set to roll out an additional 165 locations in 2024 alone! That’s some serious growth, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that they have their sights set on a whopping 4,000 U.S. stores over the next 15 years!
From One Cart to 950 Stores
The journey for Dutch Bros began back in 1992 when two brothers, Dane and Travis Boersma, started with just a simple coffee cart and one espresso machine in Grants Pass, Oregon. Fast forward to today, and this homegrown coffee chain has expanded into 18 states with a total of 950 shops! That’s quite the leap, wouldn’t you say?
A Thriving Coffee Scene
In a city like Charlotte, the coffee scene is a lively mix. While Dutch Bros offers customers the freedom to customize their drinks just the way they like it, they’re going head-to-head with big names like Starbucks and Dunkin’. Starbucks has been dialing back its efforts around Charlotte since 2020, reporting a 4% dip in sales. Meanwhile, Dutch Bros has knocked it out of the park with their latest earnings, reaching an impressive $338 million, which is a whopping 28% increase from last year!
Dunkin’ Holds Strong
And let’s not forget Dunkin’, which is keeping its head above water with 70 stores in the area. Since being acquired by Inspire Brands in 2021, Dunkin’s presence is a reminder of the robust coffee market we have here. Charlotte’s coffee lovers have plenty of options, from local spots to major chains, but it looks like Dutch Bros is ready to carve out its niche!
Community Connection
One of the things that really sets Dutch Bros apart is their commitment to making every location feel like part of the local community. They really know how to connect with their customers, making it feel less like a chain and more like your friendly neighborhood coffee shop.
Ready to Sip with Us?
So, buckle up, coffee fans! With Dutch Bros Coffee coming to town, there’s a whole new caffeine adventure about to kick off. Whether you’re stopping by for a classic cup of joe or fancying something a little more adventurous, this new spot is sure to become a favorite in Charlotte. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for its grand opening, and let those good times brew!
