Dutch Bros Coffee opening: First Kentucky location almost ready, Lexington

Janet Patton
·3 min read
2

Central Kentucky is in a coffee kiosk boom.

Dutch Bros, the Oregon-based coffee chain with a major following, is about to open its first Kentucky location.

The spot at 234 E. New Circle Rd., a former northside Sonic restaurant, is expected to open by early to mid-September, according to a news release.

Dutch Bros announced its first Bluegrass location in March 2022; the drive-thru location is near Bryan Avenue and next to a Walgreens.

It’s expected to be open Sunday-Thursday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Dutch Bros also coming to Richmond

Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coffee plans to open its first Kentucky location in Lexington. Provided
Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coffee plans to open its first Kentucky location in Lexington. Provided

The company also is opening a location at 847 Eastern Bypass Rd. in Richmond soon, according to its website.

Dutch Bros has been working other locations in Lexington, so far with little luck. Plans to put a kiosk across from the University of Kentucky campus in the former “Blue Arby’s” at 507 S. Limestone fell through. Another proposed location at 1008 S. Broadway also has faced opposition.

What makes Dutch Bros Coffee special?

Dutch Bros Coffee is known for friendly energetic “broistas” as well as tea and coffee drinks. Provided
Dutch Bros Coffee is known for friendly energetic “broistas” as well as tea and coffee drinks. Provided

Dutch Bros Coffee was founded in 1992 in Grants Pass, Ore., and is a leader in the drive-thru coffee category (which is getting busier every day!) with more than 750 locations in 14 states.

Founded by brothers Dane and Travis Boermsa, Dutch Bros has a passionate following among coffee drinkers and focuses on giving back to the community with fundraisers for local non-profits as well as national causes such as finding a cure for ALS. Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local franchisees, the company donates several million dollars to causes across the country each year, Dutch Bros said.

“Everything we do is about community,” said Coleman Davis, local operator of Dutch Bros Lexington. “We’re excited to grow this brand into Kentucky and become a part of Lexington and surrounding communities.”

What’s on the Dutch Bros Coffee menu?

Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee has a cult following for its coffee and its friendly “broistas.” Provided
Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee has a cult following for its coffee and its friendly “broistas.” Provided

The menu includes specialty coffees, smoothies, freezes, teas, Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee.

Besides the coffee, Dutch Bros is known for its “vibes” with upbeat music, energetic “broistas” and speedy top-quality service.

Want to join Dutch Bros?

The company plans to hold a hiring event Aug 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Irvine McDowell Park in Richmond, where attendees can interview and try out Dutch Bros Rebel energy drinks.

A “broista” takes an order at a Dutch Bros Coffee drive-thru, where passionate fans line up for coffee. Provided
A “broista” takes an order at a Dutch Bros Coffee drive-thru, where passionate fans line up for coffee. Provided

Other coffee chains coming to Lexington area

Besides Dutch Bros, Central Kentucky also has welcomed Scooter’s (in Winchester and Nicholasville), 7 Brew (in Lexington and Versailles), The Human Bean (in Lexington) and Starbucks (everywhere.)

Dutch Bros Coffee

Where: 234 E. New Circle Rd.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Menu: Dutchbros.com