Coffee Break Down

The world recognized siren and the local coffee shop

StarbucksⓇ and Dutch Bros. CoffeeⓇ started just over two decades apart, and both serve millions of men and women an amazing cup of coffee every morning. Each cafe caters to coffee lovers, whether it be espressos, teas, frosts, freezes, frappuccinos, lattes, rebels, or any other kind of concoction the companies created. Although everyone has their favorite, each shop excels at what they’re known for; coffees.

By Open Grid Scheduler via Flickr

Starbucks originated in Seattle, Washington at the Pike Place Market. Starbucks derives from a the first mate Starbuck in Moby Dick who believes in the supernatural and ironically only communicates in whispers, much like Starbucks employees themselves. The name elicits, “...the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.” Starbucks hopes to, “share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better.” Starbucks, unlike Dutch Bros. usually opens at 4:30 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. Starbucks fame comes from their amazing brew of what some might call ‘frou frou’ yet refined coffee.

By Roadside Pictures via Flickr

Dutch Bros. Coffee originated in Oregon in 1922 because of two dairy farmers, Dane and Travis Boersma. This small business became one of the country’s largest privately held drive-thru coffee company and each locally owned and operated. Dutch Bros. Coffee desires to, “...transform lives rather than conduct transactions.” Dutch Bros. even owns their own private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink available to clients for order with their own preferred flavors. Dutch Bros. coffee is more sophisticated yet creative depending on what you order.

Employee Persona differs between the two companies. Starbucks employees' quite and laid back demurs build into the shops atmosphere. As soon as you walk into Starbucks there the strong whiff of coffee beans and a feeling of warmth and welcome. When they hand their customers a freshly brewed tea or coffee the employees kindly say, “have a great day” or  “enjoy” and the customers then leave, happily on their way. On the other hand, Dutch Bros builds an all hectic chaos recognizable as soon as you walk in, but in a ‘welcome home’ kind of way. The latest hit track plays on the speakers, the employees bustling behind the counter, and they do not quietly ask how are you, Dutch Bros. employees instead quite energetically hit you with, “What are you up to today?” Dutch Bros. always want to sincerely start a conversation with you. What atmospheres appeals to customers depends on their personalities, which shop they enjoy when they walk in.

No matter how many small differences or similarities between Starbucks and Dutch Bros, many know that either coffee shop is amazing. Each cares for their customer’s satisfaction and happiness. Coffee shops should make your day and often times can just by giving a client an extra boost of caffeine.

- Samantha McDonald, Design Editor