Oregon-based coffee chain enters L.A. market near USC Campus
The specialty coffee sector’s expansion into urban markets is taking a new form as drive-through operators adapt their formats for denser environments. Dutch Bros Coffee opened its first Los Angeles location on Nov. 29 at 3726 S Figueroa St. near the University of Southern California, operating through a walk-up window rather than its traditional drive-through model. The shop marks the chain’s 1,111th location and represents a strategic entry into the Los Angeles market, where the Oregon-based company has maintained limited presence despite operating 215 locations across California.
“I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to bring Dutch Bros Coffee to Los Angeles,” said Brady Benner, regional operator, in a press release. “Bringing this location to the Exposition Park and the greater Los Angeles community means we will have a space to bring love and light to each person we meet every day.”
According to the company’s announcement, the Figueroa Street location will serve Dutch Bros’ menu of handcrafted beverages including the company’s proprietary Rebel energy drink line, specialty coffee drinks, nitrogen-infused cold brew, teas, lemonades and sodas. The walk-up format represents an adaptation for the urban Los Angeles environment, where traditional drive-through configurations face zoning restrictions and space constraints.
Industry reports show that Dutch Bros’ California footprint translates to one location per roughly 184,000 residents based on the state’s current population, with the company’s 215 stores representing approximately 20 percent of its total shop count. Based on the company’s FY2024 Form 10-K, locations in the Western United States accounted for roughly 70 percent of total shops as of Dec. 31, 2024. In addition, the chain reported significant growth momentum in 2025, adding 99 net new locations in the first nine months of the year. The expansion included 89 company-operated shops and 10 franchised locations, maintaining the company’s predominantly corporate-owned structure while allowing selective franchise development.
The Los Angeles opening follows Dutch Bros’ broader strategy of building density in Western markets before expanding eastward. The company has concentrated development in Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado and Washington, establishing regional networks that support operational efficiency and brand recognition before entering new territories. Dutch Bros operates through a combination of drive-through and now walk-up formats, with the traditional drive-through model serving as the foundation of its service approach. The company has built its business model around speed of service and customer interaction, differentiating itself from competitors through its drive-through focus rather than cafe-style seating areas.
The Exposition Park location positions Dutch Bros near USC’s campus and surrounding residential neighborhoods, targeting the student population and local community. The area’s pedestrian traffic patterns align with the walk-up window format, marking a departure from the suburban and highway-adjacent sites that typically house Dutch Bros locations.
