Dutch Bros Reports Strong Q1 Performance Amid Economic Challenges
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Strong Sales Growth: Dutch Bros reported an 8.3% increase in same-store sales for Q1, driven by a 5% rise in transactions, indicating robust consumer demand for its beverages despite a soft economy, which enhances the company's competitive position.
- Market Expansion Potential: The company ended Q1 with 1,177 locations, a 16% year-over-year increase, and management has set a target of 2,029 stores by 2029, indicating significant growth opportunities in the medium term.
- Successful Loyalty Program: The Dutch Rewards program boasts 15 million members, accounting for 74% of all transactions, which not only boosts customer loyalty but also provides a stable revenue stream, further supporting the brand's strategic push into the eastern U.S.
- Profitability Under Pressure: Despite strong sales growth, rising coffee and occupancy costs led to a nearly 2 percentage point decline in gross margin and a 60 basis point shrinkage in adjusted EBITDA margin in Q1, posing short-term challenges to profitability.
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Analyst Views on BROS
Wall Street analysts forecast BROS stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 65.720
Low
70.00
Averages
78.80
High
85.00
Current: 65.720
Low
70.00
Averages
78.80
High
85.00
About BROS
Dutch Bros Inc. is an operator and franchiser of drive-thru shops, which is focused on serving hand-crafted beverages. The Company sells a range of customizable hot, iced and blended beverages. The Company-operated shops segment includes retail coffee shop sales to end consumers. The Franchising and other segment includes bean and product sales to franchise partners, initial franchise fees, royalties, and marketing fees related to the franchise partners, as well as sales of products through its website. It also sells its proprietary coffee-based Freeze blended beverages and cold brew. Its proprietary Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink, which is customizable with flavors and modifiers and can be served blended or over ice. It also offers a variety of teas, lemonades, smoothies, and sodas offering caffeine-lite and caffeine-free beverages. The Company has approximately 1,177 shops, of which over 844 are operated by the Company and 333 are franchised, across 25 states.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Dutch Bros' Market Potential is Huge
- Market Opportunity: Dutch Bros has a total U.S. addressable market opportunity of 7,000 stores, nearly six times its current footprint, indicating substantial potential for future expansion and revenue growth.
- Rapid Store Expansion: As of March 31, Dutch Bros operates 1,177 locations nationwide, a significant increase from 441 stores at the end of 2020, with plans to reach 2,029 by 2029, solidifying its national presence.
- Food Sales Growth: The new food program was launched in 485 stores in Q1, and although food currently accounts for only 2% of total sales, there is potential for it to become a significant revenue contributor as consumer demand for food with coffee rises.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: Analysts forecast Dutch Bros will report adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.53 in 2028, a 101% increase from $0.76 in 2025, indicating a strong potential for profitability that could attract investor interest.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amidst Volatility in Consumer Stocks
- Chipotle Growth Potential: Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, and despite facing sales forecast downgrades and stock price declines, it expects revenue to reach $16.1 billion by 2029, nearly double current levels, demonstrating resilience in its long-term growth trajectory.
- Ulta Sales Growth: Ulta Beauty reported a net sales increase of 11.1% to $3.16 billion in Q1 2026, exceeding analyst expectations, and subsequently raised its annual profit forecast, indicating strong execution capabilities in a competitive beauty market.
- Dutch Bros Market Advantage: Dutch Bros plans to open at least 181 new shops in 2026, and while the market remains cautious about its valuation, its 30% price increase since 2019 compared to Starbucks' 50% shows a genuine competitive edge in a price-sensitive market.
- Consumer Brand Expansion: Dutch Bros launched at-home coffee products in 2026, marking its transition from a regional drive-thru experience to a national consumer brand, further enhancing its market share and brand recognition.
See More
Restaurant Giants Expand Amid Market Noise
- Chipotle Expansion Plans: Chipotle aims to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, with international expansion into South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico, projecting revenue of $16.1 billion by 2029, nearly double current levels, indicating strong long-term growth potential.
- Ulta Sales Growth: In Q1 2026, Ulta's net sales rose 11.1% to $3.16 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, driven by the launch of prestige beauty brands, with a forecast of 6% to 7% net sales growth in 2026, showcasing its competitive market position.
- Dutch Bros Market Positioning: Dutch Bros plans to open at least 181 new shops in 2026, with a long-term target of over 7,000 locations, leveraging a 30% price increase compared to Starbucks' 50%, gradually enhancing its market share.
- Consumer Product Expansion: In 2026, Dutch Bros launched at-home coffee products available through Amazon and Walmart, marking its transition from a regional drive-thru experience to a national consumer brand, thereby strengthening its market presence.
See More
Dutch Bros Stock Rises 30%, Showcasing Growth Potential
- Significant Sales Growth: Dutch Bros achieved a 31% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2026, with comparable sales up 8.3%, marking seven consecutive quarters of transaction growth, demonstrating its strong market adaptability and brand appeal amid inflation.
- Ambitious Expansion Plans: The company aims to operate 2,029 stores by 2029 and targets 7,000 stores in the long term, employing a 'cluster' strategy to quickly establish its brand in new regions, particularly achieving nearly 20% comps growth in Texas.
- Increased Market Recognition: Despite disappointing stock performance over the past year, Dutch Bros has seen a 30% stock price increase in the last month, indicating that the market is beginning to recognize its long-term growth opportunities, reflecting investor confidence in its future.
- Valuation Challenges: While the company shows strong growth potential, its current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 105 times, and despite the recent stock surge, investors should be cautious about entry points to avoid investing at inflated valuations.
See More
Dutch Bros Reports Strong Growth and Expansion Plans Amid Inflation
- Significant Sales Growth: Dutch Bros reported a 31% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2026, with comparable sales up 8.3%, achieving seven consecutive quarters of transaction growth, demonstrating strong market adaptability and brand appeal amid inflation.
- Ambitious Expansion Plans: The company aims to operate 2,029 stores by 2029 and has set a long-term goal of 7,000 stores, employing a 'cluster' strategy to quickly establish its brand in new regions, particularly evidenced by nearly 20% comps growth in Texas during Q1.
- Increased Market Recognition: Despite disappointing stock performance over the past year, Dutch Bros' stock has surged 30% in the past month as the market begins to recognize its long-term growth potential, although it currently trades at a premium P/E ratio of 105 times.
- Unique Brand Positioning: By popularizing innovative beverages and offering convenience through its network of over 1,000 drive-thru locations, Dutch Bros has cultivated a massive following, showcasing its leadership in the beverage market, with the CEO stating the company is poised to continue shaping and commanding this rapidly growing category.
See More
Dutch Bros Rapid Expansion vs. Sweetgreen's Revenue Decline
- Dutch Bros Expansion Plan: Dutch Bros aims to open 2,029 locations by 2029, currently operating less than 1,200, indicating a robust annual growth rate of approximately 19%, positioning itself advantageously in the rapidly growing coffee market.
- Sweetgreen Revenue Decline: Sweetgreen has experienced a revenue drop for three consecutive quarters, with a year-over-year customer count decline of 11% per restaurant in Q1, highlighting increasing competitive pressure in the premium health food sector.
- Profitability Comparison: Dutch Bros boasts $116 million in retained earnings, while Sweetgreen has incurred losses of $884 million, illustrating a significant disparity in profitability, with Dutch Bros demonstrating a more sustainable business model.
- Market Expectation Divergence: Analysts rate Sweetgreen as a “hold,” while Dutch Bros is rated a “strong buy,” indicating a clear divergence in market expectations regarding the future performance of the two companies.
See More
Dutch Bros' Market Potential is Huge
- Market Opportunity: Dutch Bros has a total U.S. addressable market opportunity of 7,000 stores, nearly six times its current footprint, indicating substantial potential for future expansion and revenue growth.
- Rapid Store Expansion: As of March 31, Dutch Bros operates 1,177 locations nationwide, a significant increase from 441 stores at the end of 2020, with plans to reach 2,029 by 2029, solidifying its national presence.
- Food Sales Growth: The new food program was launched in 485 stores in Q1, and although food currently accounts for only 2% of total sales, there is potential for it to become a significant revenue contributor as consumer demand for food with coffee rises.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: Analysts forecast Dutch Bros will report adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.53 in 2028, a 101% increase from $0.76 in 2025, indicating a strong potential for profitability that could attract investor interest.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amidst Volatility in Consumer Stocks
- Chipotle Growth Potential: Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, and despite facing sales forecast downgrades and stock price declines, it expects revenue to reach $16.1 billion by 2029, nearly double current levels, demonstrating resilience in its long-term growth trajectory.
- Ulta Sales Growth: Ulta Beauty reported a net sales increase of 11.1% to $3.16 billion in Q1 2026, exceeding analyst expectations, and subsequently raised its annual profit forecast, indicating strong execution capabilities in a competitive beauty market.
- Dutch Bros Market Advantage: Dutch Bros plans to open at least 181 new shops in 2026, and while the market remains cautious about its valuation, its 30% price increase since 2019 compared to Starbucks' 50% shows a genuine competitive edge in a price-sensitive market.
- Consumer Brand Expansion: Dutch Bros launched at-home coffee products in 2026, marking its transition from a regional drive-thru experience to a national consumer brand, further enhancing its market share and brand recognition.
See More
Restaurant Giants Expand Amid Market Noise
- Chipotle Expansion Plans: Chipotle aims to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026, with international expansion into South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico, projecting revenue of $16.1 billion by 2029, nearly double current levels, indicating strong long-term growth potential.
- Ulta Sales Growth: In Q1 2026, Ulta's net sales rose 11.1% to $3.16 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, driven by the launch of prestige beauty brands, with a forecast of 6% to 7% net sales growth in 2026, showcasing its competitive market position.
- Dutch Bros Market Positioning: Dutch Bros plans to open at least 181 new shops in 2026, with a long-term target of over 7,000 locations, leveraging a 30% price increase compared to Starbucks' 50%, gradually enhancing its market share.
- Consumer Product Expansion: In 2026, Dutch Bros launched at-home coffee products available through Amazon and Walmart, marking its transition from a regional drive-thru experience to a national consumer brand, thereby strengthening its market presence.
See More
Dutch Bros Stock Rises 30%, Showcasing Growth Potential
- Significant Sales Growth: Dutch Bros achieved a 31% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2026, with comparable sales up 8.3%, marking seven consecutive quarters of transaction growth, demonstrating its strong market adaptability and brand appeal amid inflation.
- Ambitious Expansion Plans: The company aims to operate 2,029 stores by 2029 and targets 7,000 stores in the long term, employing a 'cluster' strategy to quickly establish its brand in new regions, particularly achieving nearly 20% comps growth in Texas.
- Increased Market Recognition: Despite disappointing stock performance over the past year, Dutch Bros has seen a 30% stock price increase in the last month, indicating that the market is beginning to recognize its long-term growth opportunities, reflecting investor confidence in its future.
- Valuation Challenges: While the company shows strong growth potential, its current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 105 times, and despite the recent stock surge, investors should be cautious about entry points to avoid investing at inflated valuations.
See More
Dutch Bros Reports Strong Growth and Expansion Plans Amid Inflation
- Significant Sales Growth: Dutch Bros reported a 31% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2026, with comparable sales up 8.3%, achieving seven consecutive quarters of transaction growth, demonstrating strong market adaptability and brand appeal amid inflation.
- Ambitious Expansion Plans: The company aims to operate 2,029 stores by 2029 and has set a long-term goal of 7,000 stores, employing a 'cluster' strategy to quickly establish its brand in new regions, particularly evidenced by nearly 20% comps growth in Texas during Q1.
- Increased Market Recognition: Despite disappointing stock performance over the past year, Dutch Bros' stock has surged 30% in the past month as the market begins to recognize its long-term growth potential, although it currently trades at a premium P/E ratio of 105 times.
- Unique Brand Positioning: By popularizing innovative beverages and offering convenience through its network of over 1,000 drive-thru locations, Dutch Bros has cultivated a massive following, showcasing its leadership in the beverage market, with the CEO stating the company is poised to continue shaping and commanding this rapidly growing category.
See More
Dutch Bros Rapid Expansion vs. Sweetgreen's Revenue Decline
- Dutch Bros Expansion Plan: Dutch Bros aims to open 2,029 locations by 2029, currently operating less than 1,200, indicating a robust annual growth rate of approximately 19%, positioning itself advantageously in the rapidly growing coffee market.
- Sweetgreen Revenue Decline: Sweetgreen has experienced a revenue drop for three consecutive quarters, with a year-over-year customer count decline of 11% per restaurant in Q1, highlighting increasing competitive pressure in the premium health food sector.
- Profitability Comparison: Dutch Bros boasts $116 million in retained earnings, while Sweetgreen has incurred losses of $884 million, illustrating a significant disparity in profitability, with Dutch Bros demonstrating a more sustainable business model.
- Market Expectation Divergence: Analysts rate Sweetgreen as a “hold,” while Dutch Bros is rated a “strong buy,” indicating a clear divergence in market expectations regarding the future performance of the two companies.
See More
