Dutch Bros Coffee, the fast‑growing drive‑through coffee chain, has taken the first concrete step toward opening a store in Tacoma. The company filed a pre‑application permit to redevelop the vacant Jack in the Box building at 7605 South Hosmer Street, a site that has been empty since 2024.
Construction timeline and local impact
According to the permit filings, construction on the new Dutch Bros location is not expected to start until January 30, 2028. When completed, the shop will join the six existing Dutch Bros outlets that serve Pierce County residents in Fife, Puyallup, Graham and Lakewood. The chain’s presence in the area is already notable, with 74 Washington locations and 157 in neighboring Oregon.
Company background and regional growth
Dutch Bros was founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in Grants Pass, Oregon. What began as a single coffee stand has expanded into a national brand known for its colorful menu of coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, teas and milkshakes. The company introduced its Blue Rebel energy drink in 2012 and entered the Texas and Oklahoma markets in 2021. In 2025, Dutch Bros announced a headquarters move from Oregon to Tempe, Arizona, underscoring its aggressive expansion strategy.
What makes Dutch Bros different
The chain differentiates itself with a vibrant menu and a service model that emphasizes speed and personal interaction. At its upcoming Tacoma shop, employees plan to greet customers at their vehicles with handheld devices to take orders, a system designed to reduce wait times and improve the drive‑through experience.
Regional competition
While Starbucks has been scaling back in parts of Washington and relocating corporate staff to Knoxville, Tennessee, Dutch Bros continues to add locations across the state. Starbucks still operates 566 stores in Washington, but Dutch Bros now holds 74 locations in the same market, reflecting a shift toward locally‑focused, family‑friendly coffee concepts.
Future expansion in the Seattle area
In addition to the Tacoma project, Dutch Bros is in the early stages of opening its first Seattle store. The company plans to convert a 1,750‑square‑foot space at 4115 4th Avenue South in Seattle’s industrial district, further extending its footprint in the greater Puget Sound region.
Local relevance
The new Tacoma location promises to create jobs, increase traffic for nearby businesses and provide residents with another convenient coffee option. Community members who value family‑friendly environments and quick service are likely to welcome the addition.
For more details on Dutch Bros’ expansion plans and to track the progress of the Tacoma store, visit the company’s official website or follow local business news outlets.
Original reporting: KIRO 7 (Tacoma / Pierce County stories) — read the source article.
