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Dutch Bros — Company research | Choice 0 Choice score Out of 100

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Travis Boersma’s proposed Flying Lark entertainment center in Grants Pass drew opposition from Oregon tribes, who argued it threatened tribal casinos and expanded gambling. Boersma said the project would support horse racing and jobs, and warned jobs could disappear without approval for 225 historical horse-racing machines. In February 2022, Oregon DOJ concluded the machines would violate the state constitution.

You decide Political spending
Sources
https://www.cowcreek-nsn.gov/flying-lark-plans-ruled-unconstitutional-by-oregon-doj/
In a statement following the ruling, Boersma said in part, “I remain committed to saving horse racing in Oregon, providing family wage jobs in southern Oregon, and working closely with Tribal leaders to ensure all Oregonians benefit from the opening of the Flying Lark. “
http://web.archive.org/web/20230819131831/https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/10/tribes-allies-ask-gov-kate-brown-to-scrutinize-dutch-bros-founders-plans-for-grants-pass-gambling-center.html
Six Native American tribes on Wednesday called on Gov. Kate Brown and other state political leaders to launch a thorough review of Dutch Bros founder Travis Boersma’s plan to open a gambling and entertainment center in his hometown of Grants Pass.
https://www.kdrv.com/news/top-stories/dutch-bros-co-founder-says-new-flying-lark-jobs-will-vanish-if-oregon-officials-keep/article_cff76d28-734b-11ec-aa91-d36b316a2ca4.html
While casinos are prohibited under the Oregon constitution outside of Tribal reservations, a 2013 law provided a carve-out for certain methods of historical race betting. Boersma says he also helped shape a bill that passed the Oregon legislature in 2021, SB 165, which ensures that multiple stakeholders get a taste of the funds generated by both live and historical horse racing. The bill was signed into law by Governor Brown in July.
http://web.archive.org/web/20220126064221/https://www.oregonlive.com/podcasts/2022/01/oregons-newest-billionaire-wants-to-revive-horse-racing-but-tribal-leaders-say-not-so-fast-beat-check-podcast.html
But in recent months Boersma’s other passion – horse racing – is suddenly at the center of a political drama. And Boersma is threatening to lay off more than 200 employees if his plans aren’t approved in Salem.

An individual filed an NLRB charge against Dutch Bros. Coffee in Spokane, Washington, on September 21, 2021, alleging retaliation or discharge, coercive statements and rules, and coercive actions. The case was closed after the NLRB approved a withdrawal request on November 30, 2021; the record does not establish the allegations’ merits.

Against Labor & working conditions
Sources
https://www.nlrb.gov/case/19-CA-283215
8(a)(1) Concerted Activities (Retaliation, Discharge, Discipline)

A February 2026 report described customer claims that Dutch Bros baristas added tips without asking, including accounts of 15% and $30 charges; other commenters said it was uncommon or suggested app settings might explain some charges. Dutch Bros says app users can enable auto-tipping and change tip amounts at checkout. The company’s policy on automatic gratuity was not stated, and it did not respond in the report.

Against Labor & working conditions
Sources
https://www.themarysue.com/dutch-bros-baristas-tipping/
Now, a Dutch Bros. customer says the coffee shop chain is doing the same. TikTok creator Valeria (@valeria.milian.r) posted a short clip writing in the text overlay, “I just realized that when I go to Dutch bros and they don’t ask for tip it’s because they tip themselves.”

On June 25, 2024, a New York federal judge dismissed with prejudice a shareholder suit alleging Dutch Bros and two executives misrepresented inflation’s impact after the company’s 2021 IPO. The judge ruled that shareholders had not pleaded actionable misstatements or omissions. An earlier derivative suit had alleged false statements about Dutch Bros’ financial prospects.

Against Corporate conduct
Sources
http://web.archive.org/web/20240913013236/https://www.law360.com/articles/1765300/bitter-shareholders-sue-coffee-co-dutch-bros-top-brass
By Katryna Perera (November 9, 2023, 6:43 PM EST) -- The top brass of Oregon drive-thru coffee franchise Dutch Bros Inc. have been hit with a derivative suit in Delaware Chancery Court by shareholders claiming the defendants made false and misleading statements about the company's financial prospects, which led to a stock drop and damage to investors....
https://www.law360.com/articles/1850985
By Katryna Perera ( June 25, 2024, 9:51 PM EDT) -- A New York federal judge has dismissed with prejudice a suit alleging drive-through coffee chain Dutch Bros and two of its executives weren't honest with investors about the impact inflation was having on the company after its 2021 initial public offering, saying the shareholders have failed to plead any actionable misstatements or omissions. . . .

A Marion County inspection on August 13, reported September 2, 2026, gave Dutch Bros Coffee at 1102 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem a score of 86. Inspectors cited employees using the entryway handwashing sink to rinse dishes and fill a pitcher, and a dishwasher maximum temperature of 155.8°F after repeated cycles, below the required sanitation standard.

Against Health policy
Sources
https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/life/food/2026/09/02/restaurant-inspections-marion-polk-county-dutch-bros/91509071007/
Priority violations: Soap is not provided at a handwashing sink, specifically: Soap was not available at the entrance handwash sink during today's inspection. This is a repeat violation. Point deduction: 6
About & ownership
Legal name
Dutch Bros Inc.
Category
Restaurants and Bars
Website
dutchbros.com
Stock listing
NYSE:BROS

Travis Boersma · Co-founder and Executive Chairman · Executive Chair · Chair · Founder

Christine Barone · Chief Executive Officer and President · CEO

Brian Maxwell · Vice Chair

Dane Boersma · Founder

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