Dutch Bros Coffee Ranks Fourth in National Poll
The coffee chain secured a top spot in the USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Coffee
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Dutch Bros Coffee has earned the number four spot in the annual USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for coffee chains. The ranking, which concluded with a final vote on Oct. 19, reflects the brand's sustained popularity among consumers.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the brand's performance in reliability, service quality, and menu variety compared to other national chains. Dutch Bros has consistently maintained a position in the top ten lists from 2023 through 2025.
Dutch Bros currently operates 1,314 locations across the United States. This includes a presence of 57 sites in Oregon, with 10 of those situated specifically in Salem.
The players
Dutch Bros Coffee
A national coffee chain known for its drive-thru service and in-house production of pastries.
USA Today
A national news organization that publishes the annual 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.
The details
The rankings were determined by a public voting process that allowed participants to cast one ballot per day for their favorite brands. Nominees for the award were selected by a panel of industry experts to ensure a competitive field.
Timeline
1992: Dutch Bros is founded in Grants Pass, Oregon.
2023-2025: Company is voted as a top 10 coffee chain annually.
2025: Corporate headquarters move to Tempe, Arizona.
Oct. 19, 2026: Voting period for the 10BEST awards closes.
Oct. 28, 2026: USA Today officially announces the 10BEST rankings.
Culture Shift
The brand's consistent performance in the USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlights a shift toward high-speed, convenience-focused coffee chains. This trend mirrors broader changes in consumer habits where service reliability and speed are prioritized over traditional cafe models.
Consumers in regions like Salem may experience increased demand or wait times at the 10 local locations as the brand's national popularity grows. The company's expansion into grocery retail as of 2026 also offers a new way to access their products outside of standard storefronts.
The takeaway
Customers can continue to expect the brand to prioritize its signature drive-thru service model and in-house food production. The consistent ranking suggests that the company's recent expansion into grocery retail and headquarters move have not disrupted its core customer experience.
Further reading
Find more insights on the Coffee industry and other top-rated chains here.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Statesman Journal.
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Do you prefer local drive-thru coffee chains over major national brands for service and quality?
