It is the first and so far only Dutch Bros. to hit Nevada, and franchise co-owner Andy Head said he couldn't be more satisfied with his coffee drive-through franchise.
"It's really special for us to be here and build a brand in Nevada," Head said. "It's the only one in Nevada, and we wanted to make a positive impact here."
Head and his partner Jill Elder opened their Carson City franchise in May 2007 at 1449 S. Carson St. in front of the Carson Mall, after remodeling the existing building.
"We love Carson City. We have an amazing and loyal customer base," he said. "Right now I'm looking out on one side, and there are five cars, all filled with regular customers. Sometimes there are new faces, but they always put a smile on my face."
At only 22 years old, Head and Elder believe enthusiasm contributes to their success.
"We like to make people laugh, and they always leave here with a smile and a delicious cup of coffee," Head said. "They should get nothing less."
Head explained that he has always been industrious.
"I've been doing odd jobs and yard work since the sixth grade, and I learned that the best jobs were the ones where I could go at my own pace and control the quality," he said. "When I got older, I worked in fine food, but I got out of it to work for Dutch Bros. because I loved the customer interaction. Each employee has their own independent style and such good vibes."
Part of that independent style extends to the pronunciation of the name of the business, headquartered in Grants Pass, Ore. It's Dutch Bros., rhymes with "toes," not "brothers."
The couple recently bought a home together, and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, camping and hiking whenever they get spare time. Head also is an assistant coach for the Sierra Football League.
"We've been together for a long time," Elder said. "We were high school sweethearts."
Elder said it took awhile to get things going, but after three successful years, there is no doubt in their minds that they're here to stay.
"We've met so many great people who have come to be our friends, and we have so many loyal customers, so business is pretty good," she said.
"That's not to say we haven't had a few struggles like any other business, especially with this economy, but we're so thankful to be here," Elder said.