Spread the Luv
A visit to Dutch Bros. Coffee is about more than a caffeine craze. The blazing aroma of freshly ground espresso, combined with sounds of Blink 182 is nearly enough to pop you out of your seat. For baristas or members of the “Dutch Mafia” it is about a love for making people’s day. It’s a drive-thru experience that will expand into Cottage Grove this month.
Chris Stewart, owner of five Springfield Dutch Bros. Coffee stands, will spread the “Dutch Luv” in the opening of the company’s 119th coffee stand. On Jan. 29, Cottage Grove resident will see baristas dashing from car to car, making deliveries during the city’s first Dutch Bros. Coffee grand opening. The corner of 5th Ave. and Main Street might start to feel like Disneyland or at least the happiest place in Cottage Grove.
“Building new customer relationships will be the most exciting part of this new location,” said Stewart, “We emphasize making every customer feel appreciated, and that’s one thing that I love about our company.”
Back on Mohawk Street in Springfield, Dutch Bros. barista Shawn Souza and his coworkers glance back in line to start concocting customers’ favorites.
“Good Morning, Nicolicious! Congratulations on your engagement!” Shawn Souza says to a customer. “Would you like your big Americano with hazelnut, cream and whipped cream?”
Baristas shuffle to add steamy, creamy milk and swirling espresso shots that resemble the smooth caramel and drizzles of chocolate inside the cup. They often scribble down and memorize customers’ names and drink orders, so lattes and mochas are ready when familiar customers pull up to the window.
“Customers love Dutch Bros. because they know that they will be greeted with an outburst of smiles and genuine conversation while [baristas] move swiftly to unique and flavorful recipes,” customer Nikki Hewlett comments.
Customers don’t have to be coffee junkies to appreciate the Dutch Bros. menu. The coffee company, which originated in Grants Pass, offers a variety of teas, smoothies, Italian sodas and Red Bull® to satisfy everyone’s tingling taste buds.
Dutch Bros.’ commitment to customer service, off the wall energy, and speedy coffee-makin’ gives the little blue and white coffee stands their distinguished reputation.
“I love when I am driving and see cars decked in Dutch Bros. window stickers,” owner Chris Stewart says. “I know customers feel appreciated when they love Dutch Bros. enough to represent us around town, and I can’t wait to spread that further.”
Cristi Bitz is a Dutch Bros. barista. She attends University of Oregon and studies public relations and communication.
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