Social media buzz and hundreds of cars have greeted Dutch Bros Coffee as the chain expands across the Piedmont, leaving many asking: what’s all the hype, and why are these lines so long? For today’s Carolina Curious, WFDD's Kathan Gandhi spills the beans on the Triad’s newest chain.
For some Triad residents, Dutch Bros is more than just another coffee shop. Since opening locations in Winston-Salem and Greensboro this year, the Oregon-based chain has drawn crowds well beyond the drive-thru.
“I’ve been in line for 15 minutes; mind you, the line cuts off at the parking lot," TikTok creator Doubledarawcoco says as she waited in line to try the coffee chain for the first time. "Like they make you go into a whole other parking lot to get in line. So I’m assuming it’s good.”
She's one of the thousands who've flocked to the new locations.
Dutch Bros regional operator Isaac Schoephoerster says the local response exceeded expectations.
"You know, people come through, and they’re like, I’ve been waiting months for this," Schoephoerster says. "I’ve been waiting years for you guys to come here. So people willing to wait in line for like, 100 cars deep is so cool and awesome.”
He says the popularity stems from customizable drinks, energetic employees and an emphasis on personal customer interactions. They want people to feel better after visiting than when they arrived.
The plan seems to be working.
Ahead of Dutch Bros' Clemmons opening, a strategy had to be put in place to prevent backups on Lewisville-Clemmons Road.
And Forsyth County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jody Chatham, who was surprised by the number of people who showed up for Dutch Bros first opening on Stratford Rd., says that experience will shape how they monitor future openings.
"I would ask people if they've already been, just kind of let the newer people come, and then you know it's going to be open," Chatham says.
As the initial buzz begins to settle, Schoephoerster with Dutch Bros says the company's now focused on becoming part of the community through local partnerships.
He also hinted that more Triad locations are down the road.