Tampa Bay’s first Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee has plans to open in South Tampa

One West Coast-based coffee chain (with a cult-like following) has its sights set on the Sunshine State, and recently filed permits to open its first outpost in South Tampa.

According to construction plans and a rezoning application filed this month on The City of Tampa’s permitting website, a 950 square-foot, drive-thru Dutch Bros is planned for 3616 W Ballast Point Blvd. in South Tampa’s Sun Bay South neighborhood.

Currently, Ballast Point Car Wash occupies that parcel of land, but if Dutch Bros’ plans are approved, the wash will be razed for the coffee shop’s new development.

The plans also state that the Dutch Bros location will offer no in-store seating and will serve customers strictly through its drive-thru. There will be nine parking spots, presumably for employees. Renderings were provided by Tampa-based architecture firm Dark Moss.

This proposed Dutch Bros would be the Oregon-based company’s first outpost on this coast of Florida. There are several Dutch Bros locations planned for Jacksonville and the greater Orlando area, although none have made their debut yet.

The popular coffee brand is known for its iced lattes, smoothies, teas, sodas, milkshakes, frozen blended coffees and energy drinks—all from the convenience of its drive-thru. Signature drinks include the “Golden Eagle” Dutch freeze blended with vanilla and caramel and the aptly-named “9-1-1” loaded with six shots of espresso, half and half and Irish creme syrup.

In addition to its various coffees and lattes—which can be ordered hot, iced or blended—Dutch Bros also has a reputation for exceptionally-friendly customer service  from its “bro-istas” (move over, Chick-Fil-a).

Dutch Bros was founded in 1992 in Grants Pass, Oregon and started franchising across the northwest in 2000, its website states. The coffee brand now operates over 800 locations throughout the U.S.

Earlier this year, the coffee company was subjected to a class action lawsuit, in which lead plaintiff Jerry Peacock claimed that Dutch Bros misled its various investors in 2022, according to Dailycoffeenews.com. Investors had until May 2023 to join the class action lawsuit and there are no recent updates on the case, although the status on the plaintiff’s lawyer’s website confirms that it has been recently filed with the Southern District Court  of New York.

For the latest news on Tampa Bay’s possible Dutch Bros location, head to the company’s Instagram at @dutchbroscoffee or keep your eyes peeled on the car wash at 3616 W Ballast Point Blvd. for any possible development.

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

This article appears in Jul 13-19, 2023.