Despite setback, Dutch Bros coming to Lexington. Here’s where they are looking next.
Dutch Bros, the Oregon coffee chain that is expanding into Lexington, has another spot picked out near downtown after a previous proposed location was met with pushback.
The company, known for its friendly service and drive-thru kiosks, in February was turned down by the Urban County Planning Commission for a request to put in a kiosk with a double drive-thru on Limestone across from the University of Kentucky campus. The spot at 507 S. Limestone is the former home of the “Blue Arby’s” and was to be the second Dutch Bros in Lexington.
It’s unclear if the company plans to appeal the zoning denial to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.
Dutch Bros has announced plans to build its first location on New Circle Road in a former Sonic; a permit was recently issued to begin site work. A spokesperson for Dutch Bros said that location is expected to open before the end of the year.
Now, Dutch Bros is looking at another site, 1008 S. Broadway, along Virginia Avenue. It would be next to the new Gateway Lofts under construction on the former Bryant’s Rent-All warehouse.
The location would have a double drive-thru with limited parking in the rear and a walk-up window with patio seating out front, according to a preliminary plan submitted to the planning commission.
The entrance and exit would be on Virginia Avenue with no access to South Broadway, according to the plan.
According to a letter submitted with a zoning change request, the site would be along a planned trail map and could serve as a stopping point for pedestrians, with a proposed rain garden and public art feature.
It’s unclear when the plan could come before the planning commission. According to a Dutch Bros spokeswoman, the South Broadway location could be open by mid-2024.
Dutch Bros is a drive-thru coffee West Coast chain, headquartered in Grants Pass, Ore. It was founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma. The chain has more than 500 locations in 13 states and has developed a cult following.
