For nearly 40 years, Dunn Brothers Coffee has been a go-to for coffee lovers who want not only caffeine, but also quality: a cup made from beans freshly roasted daily. Now, the brand is ready to expand this intimate, local coffee shop experience, with plans to expand by 250 stores over the next five years.

The task will be important. Between 2021 and 2024, the company’s unit count decreased by nine, from 63 to 52 stores. The chain now operates in 48 locations across six states, according to its website.

Brand president Scott Harvey calls the strategy “ambitious, yet achievable,” and he attributes that conviction to the company’s scalable franchise model and strong support network.

The chain is focused on expanding along the I-35 corridor, starting in Minnesota and expanding to high-demand states such as Iowa, Texas and Oklahoma.

“These areas present strong opportunities for premium coffee, which aligns perfectly with our growth objectives. By honoring our core values ​​and evolving with consumer preferences, we are confident in our ability to expand to 250 locations, bring high-quality coffee experiences to more communities, and realize our national growth vision,” Harvey said.

When selecting sites for its drive-thru stores, Dunn Brothers prioritizes several factors, such as high automobile traffic, proximity to major roadways, and demand in underserved markets, particularly suburban and high-density areas. density of commuters.

Harvey says Dunn Brothers’ drive-thru-only prototype is compelling to franchisees because of its lower overhead costs, reduced space requirements, simplified staffing requirements and quick setup times that allow entry fastest on the market.

“By focusing on this format, we not only meet the needs of busy customers, but we also capitalize on market trends, positioning Dunn Brothers Coffee for sustained growth and success in an evolving coffee landscape,” says Harvey. “Essentially, the drive-thru only model is more than just a change in operations; it is a strategic alignment with customer needs and market dynamics, ensuring that Dunn Brothers Coffee remains relevant and poised for a bright future.

Partnerships with franchisees are at the heart of Dunn Brothers’ growth, Harvey says. The company takes a deliberate approach to selecting the right partners.

“We prioritize franchisees’ unwavering commitment to quality, their understanding of the local market and their passion for the coffee experience,” says the executive. “Rigorous training and ongoing support ensure alignment with brand values, fostering strong relationships that enable franchisees to succeed while strengthening overall brand integrity.” »

Growing footprint means exposure to more customers, and the brand plans to convert new customers into frequent users in several ways, including menu innovation. Harvey emphasizes the importance of keeping offerings fresh and appealing, like the Dunn Dirty’s soda collection and the seasonal Pumpkin Palooza line. The fall-themed menu included pumpkin lattes, cold brews and baked goods made with premium ingredients. This year, the brand expanded its holiday offerings with drinks like the Brown Sugar Oat Nog Latte and Candy Cane Mocha, as well as baked treats, such as the Sprinkle Sugar Cookie and Butter Rum Muffin.

Technology is another crucial element. The company uses advanced point-of-sale systems and mobile ordering platforms to streamline service and reduce wait times, while customer data analysis helps it personalize offers and improve customer loyalty. customers. Under the leadership of Vice President of Marketing Alexis Gillette, the chain implemented technology initiatives to attract a new generation of coffee customers while maintaining the brand’s philosophy.

Alongside this technology, Dunn Brothers promotes personal, human-to-human connections with its consumers. The brand makes a point of remembering customers’ names, their orders and important moments in their lives that they can share.

“This personalized approach allows our franchisees to cultivate meaningful relationships with their customers and communities – a level of engagement that no app or kiosk can replicate,” says Harvey. “These initiatives demonstrate our relentless commitment to delivering an exceptional experience while proactively adapting to our customers’ dynamic preferences as we continue to expand.” »

Dunn Brothers is powered by Gala Capital Partners, which acquired the concept in July 2022. The private equity firm also owns Cicis Pizza and MOOYAH.

Harvey says being part of the Gala Capital network has been instrumental in shaping Dunn Brothers’ growth and operations strategy. The cornerstone of the partnership is the shared services model, which offers a suite of resources working across different brands to achieve economies of scale, according to Harvey. Some notable support functions include marketing, supply chain management, training, and technology integration. By centralizing these services, Dunn Brothers can streamline its processes and reduce overhead costs, allowing it to focus more on its core competencies and customer engagement.

The shared services model also facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing between brands in the Gala Capital portfolio. For example, successful marketing campaigns can be tailored and tailored to meet Dunn Brothers’ unique needs, maximizing brand reach and visibility. Likewise, best practices in supply chain management, such as supplier consolidation and inventory optimization, allow it to improve its sourcing strategies and reduce waste, says Harvey. Additionally, training programs can be leveraged to drive staff development and create consistency in service quality across all locations.

“This collaborative approach not only improves our operational agility and responsiveness to market changes, but also allows Dunn Brothers Coffee to innovate more quickly,” says Harvey. “With access to a comprehensive suite of resources and proven best practices, we can quickly implement initiatives that resonate with our customers while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that define our brand.” Ultimately, this strategic framework positions Dunn Brothers Coffee for sustained growth and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.

Dunn Brothers is part of a beverage segment that has exploded in recent years. Many chains are fighting for market share and customer relationships, even leader Starbucks, which changed CEOs amid declining sales and traffic.

Harvey understands the daunting task. But he has confidence in the Dunn Brothers’ ability to win.

“Dunn Brothers Coffee’s five-year growth strategy is built on an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and strong franchisee support,” says Harvey. “By serving freshly roasted single-origin beans in every location, we deliver a consistently exceptional coffee experience that has garnered both a loyal and growing customer base and significant industry accolades.” »