Dutch Bros Buying Clutch Coffee Bar as Drive-Thru Expansion Continues

TEMPE, Ariz. (Jan. 17, 2026) — Dutch Bros, the rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain, has agreed to acquire Clutch Coffee Bar, a 20-unit drive-thru brand with locations across North and South Carolina, as competition heats up in the quick-service beverage sector. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

According to a post on Clutch Coffee’s Facebook page, the brand’s last day of business was Friday, with stores closing at 4 p.m. The plan is for the restaurants to close, undergo renovations, and then reopen as Dutch Bros locations.

“This was not a decision made lightly,” Clutch Coffee founder and CEO Darren Spicer wrote on the social media post and on the brand’s website. “Rather it comes from a place of deep pride in what we’ve built together, and a belief that this next step will allow the culture, energy and community-first spirit you helped create continue to grow on an even bigger stage.”

Prior to the acquisition, Dutch Bros operated just two locations in the Carolinas — one in Morrisville, North Carolina, and another in Summerville, South Carolina.

Dutch Bros has grown from a single espresso pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon, in 1992 to become one of the fastest-expanding brands in the U.S. quick-service beverage market. Founded by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, the company now operates hundreds of drive-thru coffee shops across multiple states and is known for its handcrafted beverages and community-focused culture. 

The company, which went public in 2021, is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, after relocating corporate functions from Oregon. Christine Barone serves as president and chief executive officer. 

Dutch Bros reported strong recent financial performance, with annual revenue growing to more than $1.5 billion and substantial year-over-year gains driven by expanded store count and customer engagement.  The brand has continued to open dozens of new stores annually and broaden its footprint across the U.S.

Long-term, Dutch Bros is aiming for 2,029 locations by 2029 and has spoken publicly about even more ambitious goals to operate as many as 7,000 drive-thru coffee shops nationwide. 

The Clutch Coffee deal marks a notable step in that strategy, giving Dutch Bros an immediate presence in the Carolinas beyond its existing units and deepening its reach into the Southeast. Renovated locations are expected to reopen under the Dutch Bros banner in the months ahead.