Dutch Bros’ record first-quarter revenues – but the race for US drive-thru dominance is only just heating up

The US drive-thru coffee market leader can’t afford to slow down if it wants to stay ahead of the competition

The $58.5bn US branded coffee shop market continues to present a huge opportunity for operators of all kinds, but one segment is having a moment: drive-thru.

Leading the segment by outlets is Dutch Bros, and its latest results show the Arizona-based operator is still the one to beat. After raising full-year guidance following robust first-quarter sales, hundreds of new stores are expected by the end of the year.

Dutch Bros has set the rapid pace of growth, but it now needs to maintain it to stay ahead of fast-growing competitors.