Dutch Bros Opens in Sanger

Will it give Starbuck’s some competition?

By Paulina Medina

Photo Editor

How will Starbucks be effected by the new competition across the street? (graphic designed by Joshua Olivo)

Dutch Bros Coffee is opening a location in Sanger and the construction will be finished early next year. It will be located on Academy and Fifth streets right in front of Starbucks.

“Dutch Bros bought, and they selected that spot for their location,” said Sanger Mayor Frank Gonzalez.

“I think that they decided to place Dutch right in front of Starbucks because that’s where most fast food is and it’s going to grab more people’s attention to bring new clientele to them,” said Sanger High junior Anadeli Bahena.

However, senior Miguel Calderon thinks the reason for the location choice was simple.

“Because there was an empty lot available,” he said.

Senior Matthew Lopez suggested the location was chosen simply because it was one of the only spots to put it.

But with the new Dutch Bros being built across the street from Starbucks, there could be a new rivalry starting in Sanger. It might be a new drive-by spot during late-starts for Sanger High students.

“If we were still going to school, I would honestly go to Dutch Bros because it's quicker service than Starbucks,” said Bahena.

But others aren’t ready to switch.

“Dutch isn’t that good so I wouldn’t wanna get it anyway,” said Lopez.

Calderon said he would probably spend time ordering at Dutch a couple of times until the novelty wears off.

Lopez believes Starbucks won’t have issues with competition because many people only liked Dutch because they would have to go to Fresno to get it. But Calderon disagrees.

“Well a lot of people go all the way to Fresno just to get this drink,” said Calderon. “Now just imagine it being a couple minutes away from your house.”

But still, Bahena said many students at school preferred Dutch over Starbucks.

“Yes, the opening of Dutch Bros in front of Starbucks is going to affect Starbucks clients because it’s going to be like new competition,” she said.

On the other hand, Lopez and Calderon both simply think that Dutch will not affect Starbucks’ business.

“I think that opening in Sanger is more beneficial than having to drive all the way to Fresno because it saves you more time and you won’t have to be late to class,” said Bahena.

Overall, Dutch Bros seems to attract younger clients by offering energy drink-infused options such as the blended “Rebel” and coffees while Starbucks focuses primarily on coffee blends and Refreshers.