What Is Dutch Bros? Complete Guide to the Coffee Chain (2026)
Ever seen those bright blue drive-thru stands packed with cars and wondered what is Dutch Bros and why it’s so popular? Dutch Bros is a drive-thru coffee chain that started in 1992 in Oregon. Two brothers turned a single pushcart into over 1,000+ locations across the United States. The company now pulls in over $1.3 billion in annual revenue.
Dutch Bros offers much more than just coffee, with a menu that includes energy drinks, teas, and seasonal favorites. This guide explores Dutch Bros history, what they sell, what makes the brand unique, and answers common questions like where is Dutch Bros from and where did Dutch Bros originate.
What is Dutch Bros Coffee?
Dutch Bros Coffee is a drive-thru coffee chain that operates over 1,000 locations across the United States. The company went public in 2021 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BROS. Most Dutch Bros locations are drive-thru only with no indoor seating. The chain is now headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, after moving from Grants Pass, Oregon in 2025.
What Does Dutch Bros Sell?
Dutch Bros sells coffee drinks, energy drinks, teas, smoothies, and flavored sodas. The menu includes hot and cold coffee options like lattes, mochas, and cold brew. Their Rebel energy drinks come in dozens of flavor combinations. You can also get Dutch Freeze blended drinks and specialty seasonal beverages.
Every drink can be customized with your choice of milk and flavors. Dutch Bros offers dairy, oat, coconut, and almond milk options at no extra charge. They use over 25 different flavor syrups from brands like Torani. Most locations also sell grab-and-go snacks, such as protein boxes, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods.
Where Is Dutch Bros From?
Dutch Bros started in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1992. The founders operated a single espresso pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass. The company stayed headquartered in Oregon for over 30 years. In 2025, Dutch Bros moved its headquarters to Tempe, Arizona to support expansion plans.
Dutch Bros History and Founding
Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma founded Dutch Bros on February 12, 1992. The brothers were third-generation dairy farmers whose family farm was struggling with new environmental regulations. They bought a double-head espresso machine for $12,000 and started selling coffee from a pushcart. Dane financed the startup with money he saved from running a Dairy Queen franchise.
The business grew from five pushcarts to 50 franchised locations by 2004. Dane Boersma passed away in 2009 from Lou Gehrig’s disease. Travis continued building the company and appeared on Undercover Boss in 2013. Dutch Bros went public in September 2021, raising $484 million in its initial public offering.
What Makes Dutch Bros Different?
Dutch Bros built its reputation on fast service and personal customer connections. Employees are called “broistas” instead of baristas and receive training in both drink-making and customer engagement. The company motto is “we’re not in the coffee business, we’re in the people business.” Each location plays upbeat music and encourages broistas to remember customer names and drink orders.
The chain gives back to local communities through its Dutch Bros Foundation. They donate one percent of gross sales to community causes each year. The company hosts annual fundraising events like “Drink One for Dane” which has raised over $10 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Dutch Bros also supports local schools, first responders, and youth sports programs in every city where they operate.
Dutch Bros Menu: Complete Breakdown
Here’s the full breakdown of Dutch Bros Menu:
Coffee Drinks
Dutch Bros serves all the classic coffee drinks hot, iced, or blended. Popular choices include the Golden Eagle breve with vanilla and caramel, the Annihilator with chocolate macadamia nut, and the Kicker with Irish cream. They also offer Americanos, lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, and cold brew. Every coffee drink can be made with any milk option at no extra cost.
Rebel Energy Drinks
Rebel energy drinks use Dutch Bros’ own Blue Rebel energy base mixed with fruit syrups. The most popular flavors are Aftershock with strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and lime. Double Rainbro combines strawberry, peach, and coconut. Shark Attack blends blue raspberry, coconut, lime, and a pomegranate drizzle.
Seasonal & Limited-Time Offerings
Dutch Bros releases new seasonal drinks four times per year. Fall drinks include Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée Breve and Cookie Butter Latte from September through November. Winter brings holiday flavors like Peppermint Mocha and Hazelnut Truffle Mocha. Spring features fresh fruit flavors while summer introduces tropical Rebel combinations and refreshing lemonades. All seasonal drinks are only available for a few months.
Secret Menu
The secret menu includes fan-created drinks not listed on the official menu. Popular options are the White Zombie with white chocolate and vanilla, the Grasshopper with peppermint and chocolate, and the Nutty Irishman with hazelnut and Irish cream. You can order Picture Perfect on any drink to add whipped cream with caramel and dark chocolate drizzle. Just tell your broista the drink name and ingredients to make sure they know how to make it.
How to Customize Your Drink
- Pick your milk: Choose from dairy, oat, coconut, or almond milk at no extra charge.
- Select your flavors: Mix flavors from over 25 syrups including vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, coconut, and white chocolate.
- Add toppings: Add Soft Top, whipped cream, flavor drizzles, or sprinkles on any drink.
- Control sweetness: Ask for half sweet, extra sweet, or sugar-free syrups to match your taste.
- Choose your style: Order any drink hot, iced, or blended depending on your mood.
Dutch Bros vs Starbucks
Here’s the complete breakdown between Dutch Bros and Starbucks:
Comparison | Dutch Bros | Starbucks |
|---|---|---|
Average Price (Medium) | $4.50 – $5.95 | $5.75 – $6.45 |
Medium Size | 24 oz | 16 oz (Grande) |
Large Size | 32 oz | 20 oz (Venti) |
Locations | 1,000+ stores | 38,000+ stores worldwide |
Store Format | Drive-thru only | Indoor seating and walk-in |
Menu Focus | Energy drinks, coffee, high customization | Coffee, tea, food items |
Customization | 25+ flavors, free milk alternatives | Extensive, but extra charges apply |
Service Style | Personal, friendly “broistas” | Standard barista service |
Speed | Faster drive-thru times | Longer wait times |
Food Options | Minimal (muffin tops, snacks) | Full breakfast and lunch menu |
Founded | 1992 (Oregon) | 1971 (Washington) |
Company Status | Publicly traded (NYSE: BROS) | Publicly traded (NASDAQ: SBUX) |
Dutch Bros Fan Culture
If you’re still asking yourself what is Dutch Bros and why people love it so much, the fan culture tells you everything. Dutch Bros employees are called broistas instead of baristas. New broistas train with experienced employees known as “The Mob” who teach them drink recipes and customer service skills. Loyal customers call themselves the “Dutch Mafia” and wear branded merchandise like stickers, hats, and hoodies. The company hires based on personality and energy rather than just coffee experience. Many broistas remember regular customers by name and their usual drink orders.
Dutch Bros Community Impact & Giving Back
Dutch Bros raises millions of dollars for local and national causes each year through the Dutch Bros Foundation. The annual “Drink One for Dane” fundraiser honors co-founder Dane Boersma and has raised over $10 million for ALS research through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Other company-wide events include “Buck for Kids Day” in September and “Dutch Luv Day of Giving” in February. Each location also hosts local fundraising days for schools, youth sports teams, and first responders throughout the year.
Where Can You Find Dutch Bros Locations?
Dutch Bros operates over 1,000+ locations across 25 states. The company has the most stores in California, Oregon, Texas, and Arizona. You can also find locations in Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, and several other states. The chain recently expanded east with new stores in Florida and the Carolinas.
Dutch Bros started in the Pacific Northwest and concentrated growth there for many years. You can find the nearest Dutch Bros location using the Dutch Bros app or the store locator on their website. Most locations are drive-thru only with no indoor seating or walk-in options.
How to Order at Dutch Bros
Here’s the Dutch Bros ordering tips and tricks:
- Drive-thru ordering: Pull up to the window, tell your broista what size you want, choose hot or iced or blended, then pick your drink and flavors.
- Mobile app ordering: Download the Dutch Bros app, select your location, customize your drink, pay in the app, and pick a time to grab your order.
- Sizing system: Choose small (16 oz), medium (24 oz), or large (32 oz) for most drinks.
- Customization options: Specify your milk choice, flavor syrups, sweetness level (regular, half sweet, extra sweet, or sugar-free), and any toppings like Soft Top or whipped cream.
- Payment methods: Dutch Bros accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and gift cards at all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
What is Dutch Bros? It’s more than just a coffee chain. Dutch Bros has grown from a single pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon, to over 1,000+ locations nationwide since brothers Dane and Travis Boersma founded the company in 1992. The chain stands out because it treats every customer interaction as a chance to build genuine connections, not just sell drinks.
Whether you want classic coffee, customized Rebel energy drinks, or secret menu creations, Dutch Bros delivers fast service with a personal touch. The company proves you can build a billion-dollar business while staying committed to local communities and the people who make it all happen. Next time you see those blue stands with lines wrapped around the block, you know exactly what is Dutch Bros brings to the table.
