The Dutch Have Settled on Broadway

If you've driven down Broadway in the last few weeks, you've probably noticed the massive freaking line coming from the newly opened Dutch Bros Coffee.

Sure, people always go bananas when a new franchise opens in Everett (see Popeye's on Evergreen), but there's something more to this Dutch Bros thing. Something kind of cultish. In a good way though, not in a weird Jamestown, Kool-Aid kind of way.

We were curious about Everett's new coffee spot, so we stopped in and were met with the nicest people serving up love in cup. We also asked the owner, Teal Anderson, a few questions so we could get the scoop for all you folks.

LIE: Heyo. What’s your name?
TA: Teal Anderson

LIE: Cool name! What coffee are you drinking right now?
TA: Small Hot Almond Milk Kicker

LIE: What do you do for fun when you’re not running Dutch Bros Everett?
TA: Snowboard, hike, fish, explore Everett and the surrounding cities.

LIE: Do you live in Everett?
TA: Yes, my fiancé, JD, and I live super close to the stand here in North Everett.

LIE: People go bonkers for Dutch Bros., but our only experience is hitting one up somewhere off the freeway on the way to Portland. What’s the Dutch Bros story?
TA: Dutch Bros Coffee was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma – brothers of Dutch descent. After three generations in the dairy business, government regulations pressed the family to sell the cows. What felt devastating turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The bros bought a double-head espresso machine, threw open the barn doors and started experimenting with just 100 pounds of beans and a rockin’ stereo. They set up a pushcart on the railroad tracks and started passing out samples to anyone who would brave the new brew, and, within a month, they knew they had something special.

“One of the most rewarding things in this change of occupation was going from smelling cow manure to smelling coffee,” said Dane. “You’d open the bag, and it was like heaven.”

Today, Dutch Bros Coffee is the country’s largest, privately held drive-thru coffee company, with over 260 locations in seven states and over 5,000 employees. But growth hasn’t taken the company away from its roots. Dutch Bros still gives away drinks — now over one million each year — to further the bros.’ mission of “spreading the Dutch Luv.”

Also, the company donates over $2 million a year to its local communities and nonprofit organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in honor of Dane, who passed away in 2009 after a four-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

With its loyal customer base dubbed the Dutch Mafia, Dutch Bros Coffee continues to grow, and, wherever it does, the love, donations and smiles grow also.

LIE: Wow, how many Dutch Bros. are there around here, and where are they?|
TA: We are the first Dutch Bros location in the greater Seattle area. The two closest stands are in Lacey, WA and Wenatchee, WA. You can see where all of our locations are on dutchbros.com/locations.

LIE: What’s up with the sippy cup? Must be a Dutch thing?
TA: Hahaha. This is hilarious. We hear “sippy cup lid” all the time. I honestly do not know why we chose that style of lid but our customers love it! :)

LIE: What’s your business background? Have you been in coffee before Dutch Bros?
TA: I worked at three coffee houses before I started with Dutch Bros. in 2007. I was 17
when I was hired at Dutch Bros and I have been in the company for 10 years now.

LIE: Why’d you decide to open up shop on Broadway in Everett?
TA: We chose Broadway because it is a big commuter highway, it’s close to the hospital, high school, downtown, and backed by an awesome neighborhood with a sense of community that we wanted to be part of.

LIE: What’s the coolest thing that’s happened since being open?
TA: Meeting all of our amazing customers hands down! And seeing how much the crew loves them!

LIE: What’s the drink ordered most at Dutch Bros Everett?
TA: The Kicker or The Caramelizer (hot, iced or blended)

LIE: You’re from Oregon right? How has your time in Everett been so far?
TA: Yes, Oregon indeed. Everett has been so much fun! We couldn’t have asked to franchise in a better city. We are so excited to show this place what we are about and help spread that love and positivity.

LIE: Describe Everett in three words.
TA: Breathtaking. Cultivating. Potential.

LIE: So do you guys roast your own coffee?
TA: Yes, we hand roast in in Grants Pass, OR.

LIE: What other coffee shops do you dig in Everett?
TA: Silver Cup, The Loft and Diedrich. They’re all are so friendly and serve good coffee. JD and I have had great experiences at these shops. :)

LIE: What about restaurants and bars in Everett? Do you have any favorites?
TA: The Anchor, Tony V’s Garage, Scuttlebutt and The Independent Beer Bar.
Pho on Broadway, Totem, Jasmine Thai, Ruen Thai and Sol Food.

LIE: For those in Everett who have never experienced Dutch Brothers what can we expect? How are you different?
TA: There are three individually important pillars that form the foundation for which our company is built upon: speed, quality, and customer service. We are unique in our fearless but equal pursuit of all three pillars. When you pull up at Dutch Bros. you can expect to be met with a warm smile and genuine greeting. You can expect to feel cared about far beyond the small but crucial details of your coffee order; you can expect to feel like you are home.

“Our passion is people, our product is love, and our method is coffee.” And we believe this to our core.

LIE: What else should we know regarding this exciting new addition to Everett?
TA: We want to be as involved in this community as possible. Our crew is built
from Everett locals, and they are passionate about sharing the love and culture of Dutch Bros. with this community.

You should be aware that we are much different than anything you know, and we are okay with that. We are so excited for the community of Everett, Washington to give us the extraordinary chance to fill their cups with coffee and hearts with love!

Editor's Note: After leaving Dutch Bros., we felt like we made life-long friends. It's a great thing when we encounter fellow business owners who share a similar passion for people and for Everett. Welcome to Everett Teal and JD, thanks for bringing the Dutch Bros.