The coffee industry is largely dominated by Starbucks but in recent years a new superpower emerged. The drive-through coffee company Dutch Bros. based out of Grants Pass, Oregon is sweeping the western U.S. by storm. Founded in 1992, the company now has 295 locations with over a dozen in Arizona and counting.

Due to rising popularity and large demand, it is no surprise that a new Dutch was announced to open in Gilbert on April 28. It will be located just off of Loop 202 and Val Vista Dr. It will be next door neighbors to the QuikTrip (QT) and across the street from the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

This location for the Dutch has created some controversy in the community. The area is always busy due to the QT gas station and Loop 202 on-ramp and it is thought that after the Dutch is built the traffic on Val Vista will become unbearable. After all, Dutch’s main consumers are teenagers who all get out of school around the same time. This overcrowded area might become backed up in the mornings and afternoons before and after school hours.

Although we may not be able to see how school hours affect the traffic, as school gets out in less than two months, it will be interesting to see how summer schedules affect traffic.
On opening day, to celebrate the new location, the new Dutch will be offering $1 drinks. Also, some of the proceeds from every purchase will be given to Perry High School.