What is Dutch Bros? 8 things to know about the popular coffee chain coming to Florida

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
·5 min read

A new challenger has entered the competition in increasing Florida's coffee consumption — meet Dutch Bros Coffee.

The West Coast chain is set to celebrate its first Florida location this month, opening up a location in Davenport, about 35 miles outside of Orlando.

The new coffee shop will be located at 2800 Jacks Road and locally operated by Chandell Nganga, according a Orlando Business Journal report. The coffee shop is not open as of yet.

Although this coffee franchise is primarily located in the western region of the country, they have expanded as far east as Tennessee and Alabama. Not sure why westerners go crazy over the chain? Here's what to know about Dutch Bros.

What is Dutch Bros? Dutch Bros was founded in Oregon by two brothers

Dutch Bros is a drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon. For those wondering, it's actually just "Dutch Bros" and not just short for Dutch Brothers.

The story of Dutch Bros' begins with its founders, Dane and Travis Boersma. According to their website, the brothers started the company back in 1992 with a pushcart by the railroad tracks. They eventually left their family's dairy business to pursue coffee making full-time.

“They built a coffee stand in Grants Pass, Oregon, and started serving coffee,” former company President Joth Ricci said on the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” last year. “They did everything through the lens of service. From Day One this business was about fun, about culture, about experience.”

What states have Dutch Bros in them? The chain has grown to over 800 across 17 states

Dutch Bros opened on James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia the week of June 22. A line wraps around the signature blue-box building on June 26, 2023.
Dutch Bros opened on James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia the week of June 22. A line wraps around the signature blue-box building on June 26, 2023.

Dutch Bros is no longer a small pushcart on the side of the road. As of December 2023, there are roughly 835 Dutch Bros coffee shops located throughout in the United States.

According to Nation's Restaurant News, the chain has plans to 4,000 stores within next 10 to 15 years. Their market research firm, Datassential, also put Dutch Bros behind Starbucks and Dunkin’ among the top U.S. coffee and bakery chains.

What does Dutch Bros serve? Their most popular drink is the 'Golden Eagle Breve'

Dutch Bros features an extensive menu of espressos, blended coffee, iced teas, lattes, and other standard drinks, as well as pastry items. Here's some items that will be available the upcoming Florida locations:

Want to play it safe for your first time at the coffee chain? Try the "Golden Eagle Breve," which they list as their most popular drink.

"The Golden Eagle Breve is our version of a (insert traditional drink here) — a vanilla and caramel breve with caramel drizzle," Their website says. "What could be better?"

Dutch Bros has gained a cult fanbase. Employees are known as 'broistas'

Jason McCoy, Senior Resource Development Director with United Way of Amarillo and Canyon (left) accepts his coffee from Dutch Bros employee (right) at fundraiser benefitting United Way Friday morning at the Dutch Bros Coulter Interstate location.
Jason McCoy, Senior Resource Development Director with United Way of Amarillo and Canyon (left) accepts his coffee from Dutch Bros employee (right) at fundraiser benefitting United Way Friday morning at the Dutch Bros Coulter Interstate location.

Once the chain makes its debut in Davenport, Floridians can finally join the "Dutch Mafia," which is what their loyal fanbase is dubbed.

The chain is known, and highly praised, for its positive, laid-back culture. For example, employees are known as “broistas.” They are trained by more experienced broistas who are known as “The Mob.”

The accolades and acclaim aren't for no reason. Brand Credential shares that employees are trained to prioritize creating memorable experiences for customers.

"Behind the scenes, Dutch Bros invests in its employees' personal and professional growth. The company provides ongoing training and development opportunities, empowering its workforce to excel in their roles," Justin McLaughlin writes about the company's dedication to consistent and authentic customer experience.

Speaking of employees, how much do they make? Here's what to expect if you apply

If you want to be a member of Dutch Mafia, you can work for the beloved beverage company and become a "brorista."

Glassdoor estimates the total pay range for a Barista at Dutch Bros is $18 to $24 per hour, which includes base salary and additional pay. Their website does highlight benefits one could receive if they work for the company, such as:

  • After one year of employment, you are eligible for up to $5,250 per year toward education

  • Every month, you can get new merchandise for free

  • You will get 16 paid volunteer hours to use

  • Employee discount of drinks and online shop

To apply for a job at Dutch Bros, visit dutchbros.com/apply.

Think you've heard of them before? They were featured on the television show Undercover Boss

If you are fans of reality shows or just watched a ton of cable television in 2013, you might have gotten a snapshot of the coffee company already.

Over a decade ago, Travis Boersma went on season five of the show "Undercover Boss" to learn what keeps his high-energy coffee chain brewing.

Started a fundraiser in memory of co-founder who was diagnosed with ALS

Dane Boersma passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2009.

Dutch Bros and the Boersma family started Drink One for Dane started in 2007 as a way to increase awareness of the disease, raise support for those affected and to support research to find treatments and cures for ALS.

"Each year, we're so inspired by the support our customers have for Drink One for Dane," Katie Hutchison, vice president of philanthropy at Dutch Bros Coffee, said last year. "We deeply admire the work MDA does for those impacted by ALS."

Is Dutch Bros coming to other parts of Florida? Coffee chain is set to take over Orlando, Clermont and St. Augustine

Is Davenport the only Florida city that gets to join the Dutch Mafia? Don't worry, other cities will get to enjoy a Golden Eagle Breve.

Their website lists these upcoming Florida locations:

  • Clermont - 3064 SOUTH US HWY 27

  • Winter Park - 104 S SEMORAN BLVD

  • St. Augustine - 50 MCCOY WAY

There are also said to be plans for Dutch Bros in Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tampa, according to each city's permitting website.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Dutch Bros: New location outside Orlando, 3 Florida sites coming.