Starbucks vs. Dutch Bros

By Krista Kvinsland

The coffee industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in America. What was once a Pacific Northwest exclusive is now swiftly capturing the nation. Coffee chains and small businesses are popping up around every corner. With all of these new options, it’s important to know how they compare to one another. Dutch Bros and Starbucks are two of the most well-known coffee chains right now, and deciding which is better requires asking some questions.

Which chain is more affordable for the average customer?

With prices of everything increasing extremely in the past months, affordability when it comes to coffee is a priority. Buying an overpriced drink every day can seem unnecessary, but finding a place where you can get a good drink for a good price can be a gamechanger. 

The average medium coffee is just under $6. If you are more of an energy drink person, the average is about the same for a medium. Dutch Bros has many extras and customizations that customers can add to drinks for extra charges, but basic menu items don’t tend to break the bank. 

Starbucks is typically seen as a more expensive option, with its average medium coffee being around $6.50. Slightly higher than Dutch Bros, but for the same product and ingredients, the extra money being spent isn’t ideal. Customizations to drinks like cold foam, syrups, and whipped cream are also extra, which quickly run up the price.

Which Has A More Rewarding Point System?

Starbucks and Dutch Bros both offer rewards through a point system that is calculated by the money that you spend per visit. Both shops have an app to track points and order in advance.

If you are looking to earn rewards faster, Dutch Bros is a better option because you receive three points per dollar you spend on drinks/food. Especially if you are a regular customer, rewards can rack up quickly. With the average medium drink being around 6 dollars, you are earning 18 points per visit.  They offer special days where certain drinks can be ordered for bonus points. Dutch Bros also has multiplier days that offer triple the usual number of points for guests who come on those days. Points can be spent to have free drinks, and free drinks through points can also be transferred to another person as a gift. They also offer a free any-size drink on birthdays, and the drink is allowed to be redeemed 30 days past your birthday if you’re not able to get it on the day of. Points expire 180 days after redeeming, which gives plenty of time to earn enough for rewards. 

On the other hand, points from Starbucks can be used to earn things other than just drinks. Although Starbucks gives 1 point per dollar spent, more things can be exchanged for points, which makes up for it. Points can be used for free customizations to drinks like syrups, cold foam, or extra shots. Free drinks, food, and even merchandise can also be redeemed with points. Starbucks also offers more points per dollar if you register a Starbucks card or gift card. A birthday drink is a deal Starbucks offers, but it expires just 7 days after the birthday. Also similar to Dutch Bros, Starbucks has certain days that reward double points or free drinks. One of their most famous deals was the 4 drinks for $20, which was a great deal for how much their drinks are regularly. Some of the rewards can be pricey when it comes to points needed, but points don’t expire until 6 months after redeeming, which gives customers a good amount of time to save up. 

With the experience I’ve had at both places, I think the Dutch Bros reward system is better for the customer. You are earning more points per dollar, and there are more special days to earn extra points. Unlike Starbucks, it’s easy to earn free drinks, instead of just earning customizations and alterations to drinks that are already expensive. Although Dutch Bros only offers free drinks for points on their app, I think that it is the best place to go if rewards are a priority when it comes to the best coffee shop. 

Which company’s customer service and environment is better?

If you are looking for a more personal, bubbly, and happy atmosphere, Dutch Bros is the better choice. With their company valuing each customer and prioritizing that connection between customer and staff, you will receive a more conversational experience. Employees will come out to your car, no matter the weather, to take orders and ask about your day. They also regularly have raffles and spin-the-wheel days that can offer customers special rewards and gifts to keep them returning. These incentives keep customers returning, along with attracting new ones all the time. Their friendly and surprising atmosphere is one of their main selling points. Yet, almost all of their locations are drive-thru only, which appeals to people on the go but might deter people who like the experience of enjoying their drink inside. Their new spin on what the coffee industry is has inspired new businesses and chains to follow. 

Starbucks is also a great choice, with its main priority being consistency and speed. Employees work in stations preparing drinks like an assembly line. Each order has a timer for when the drink/food should be done and given to the customer. Customer service is a priority, but personal questions and conversations are not as heavily focused on. By shifting the focus off conversations, they are allowed to complete orders as fast as possible to get the most people in and out the quickest. Starbucks offers inside dining as well as a drive-thru, so customers can decide what would be more suitable for them. Being able to sit inside and enjoy their free Wi-Fi might be more appealing if you enjoy drinking your coffee inside and immersing yourself in that atmosphere. There is also some nostalgia about sitting inside a Starbucks to have your drink. Some locations also offer free refills of certain teas and coffees to customers who sit inside. Instead of making customers feel unwelcome to spend long periods of time inside, they welcome it and expect it. When it comes to a good study spot, this is high up on the must-go list. 

My decision between the two depends on the kind of day I’m having or the mood I’m in. If I am in a rush, I will choose to stop at Starbucks, because I know that the wait won’t be long. They are effective and quick with orders, whether that be in-person or mobile. I can count on their speed, and that gives me relief if I want to stop for coffee, but am running a little later than usual. Yet, if I am just out and about and want to stop for a drink, Dutch Bros will be my default choice. All of their employees create a good atmosphere and mood, and it puts me in one as well. 

Are food options a priority for you?

If breakfast along with coffee is a priority in the morning, Starbucks is the place to go, solely because it has a larger menu of food items. Starbucks offers options that can cater to any desire. Any breakfast item that would be seen at a cafe will be on the Starbucks menu. Whether customers are looking for a light breakfast/snack or a filling breakfast wrap or sandwich, they will be able to find something. Some locations also offer snack trays that are stored in the fridge and have items like cheese, crackers, and assorted fruits. Along with being a coffee shop, Starbucks also doubles as a breakfast restaurant with the items they have and offer. 

Alternatively, Dutch Bros does not have their focus as heavily on food items. Although they do offer some pastries for breakfast, they do not have a complete menu for people looking for breakfast as well as a drink in the morning. There are some locations where the company is testing food items, but none of these locations are in the Tri-Cities. This is a good choice if you are looking for a light, pastry-like breakfast rather than something heavy.

I am not the biggest fan of breakfast foods, so when I stop for coffee in the morning, I won’t typically grab food. Yet, on the rare occasion I do, it would more likely be from Starbucks. They have more options that I can choose from, and I like that I can get things that can be light or heavier, depending on how hungry I am. Dutch Bros just doesn’t have a lot of options for food, and the muffins they have aren’t anything special.

Which is more accessible in the Tri-Cities?

While both chains have similar numbers of locations in the Tri-Cities, they differ in the number of locations per city. Dutch Bros has 4 locations in Kennewick, 2 in Pasco, and 3 in Richland. All locations are fairly spread out, which makes them easily accessible no matter where you are in the Tri-Cities. On the other hand, Starbucks has 4 in Kennewick, 3 in Pasco, and 3 in Richland. These locations are also spread out throughout the cities, yet Dutch Bros has more locations farther out in West Richland, which makes them more accessible to people out there. All Starbucks and Dutch Bros locations are close to each other, so you can decide between the two.

So which should you choose?

Starbucks and Dutch Bros are both great options for fast, quality, and consistent coffee. Choosing between the two might seem impossible, but good drinks can be found at each. Whether your priorities are price, speed, or environment, they each go above and beyond to create the best experience for their customers.