Whitney Veazey

Dutch Bros construction is taking place on Cloverdale road.

A new Dutch Bros Coffee Shop will be opening in Florence. The grab-and-go coffee shop is planned to open on Cloverdale Rd by the end of spring this year.
The opening of Dutch Bros on Cloverdale Rd adds to the rich coffee market across Florence, with cafes such as Companion, Rivertown, and Turbo Coffee being frequented by many University of North Alabama Students.
“We’re going to get Scooter’s, we’re going to get Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks: that’s all I’ve heard of since my kids were able to drink coffee,” says Melissa Bevis, Business Development Coordinator for the City of Florence.
Dutch Bros is a drive-thru coffee chain scattered throughout the US, but even though Dutch Bros prides itself on its convenience and iced coffee, Florence’s local coffee shops know they can compete with the coffee giant.
“I think that a lot of students crave the comfortable atmosphere when it comes to studying,” says Companion Coffee general manager Tessa Przybysz. “Our whole model [is to] slow down and enjoy.”
The plans for Florence’s newest addition to the coffee scene have been in the works for a year and a half, with construction putting the finishing touches on the project this month.
“[Dutch Bros] coming to the southeast kind of surprised me, [approaching us],” Bevis said. “But they have been very welcome.”
Cloverdale Rd is one of the most rapidly expanding parts of Florence, with Dutch Bros being just one of the new businesses being planted down that road.
“[Cloverdale Rd] is growing more than any other area,” says Bevis, “There have been several restaurants that have been opening, and when I ask for their address, they usually say Cloverdale [Rd].”
If Florence locals previously wanted Dutch Bros Coffee, they would have to trek down to Decatur for a sip of the action.
While some Florence residents enjoy the convenience of a drive-thru coffee shop, the aesthetic of a low-light cafe and slow drip coffee can be irreplaceable for some Florence residents.
“We always want to create that living room environment here,” says Przybysz, “So I think that if we continue to be who we are and we promote [those values], then the right people are going to want to keep coming here.”
Despite the sudden growth across town, Przybysz remains optimistic about the future of her local business.
“The town is growing, and I think that there are enough people everywhere to enjoy the types of coffee that they like,” says Przybysz.
Dutch Bros is planned to open at the beginning of March at 2990 Cloverdale Rd next to Shoals Dream Center. Dutch Bros will be holding interviews on February 7 and 8.