When one thinks of a café, the usual image is warm lighting, jazz music, students studying for classes and a desperately European-looking interior design. This year’s best coffee went to the place that boldly challenges all café preconceptions: Dutch Bros.
Instead of a sit-down-and-study location, it stands as a 24-hour drive-thru that mostly serves commuters, travelers, bikers and even pedestrians. Rather than employees who are only occasionally sociable, Dutch Bros actively encourages their staff to be casual, friendly and as social as possible. In addition, they crank up their energy and speed with high-powered music to help staffers remain in a state of happy productivity.
But the most important difference of all is their drinks. With items such as “The Kicker,” “The Caramelizer” and “The Annihilator,” you know your taste buds are in for a ride.
“[It isn’t unnatural] for a customer to ask for a 20-second shot of espresso,” said Sara Seeley, a Dutch Bros employee.
Located on 980 Olive Drive, Dutch Bros is right next to the entrance to Highway 80, putting it in a hotspot for car commuters between Sacramento and San Francisco. The staff is especially active during the mornings, when they are met with lines of carpoolers waiting to get their first cup of morning coffee.
“[The business model] can either make or break a company,” Seeley said.
The Dutch Bros company donates funds to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, and supports groups such as the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The local Dutch Bros location does its own charity as well, including occasional day fundraisers.
By striving for convenience, character and caffeinated craftsmanship, Dutch Bros takes the espresso express into number one best coffee in Davis.
Written by: Evan Liley — features@theaggie.org
