On one side of Broadway, one sees a staple for many in Mount Vernon, an institution that spreads love, kindness, and fun with their amazing variety of drinks. On the other side, not very far, there is competition coming in- all the way from states like Oregon and Arizona: Dutch Bros has debuted in Mount Vernon.
Most MV students were pleased and excited for this new arrival, especially because they always find themselves sulking and comparing all of the stuff other towns like Marion and Salem have. Now we have something they don’t.
Isabella Vanmeter, ‘27, said, “I think Dutch Bros will even out the town’s business for coffee.
Dutch Bros may get more popular because they have more drink and food options.” MV students seem to be most excited for something new to try, and maybe even a new hotspot for morning drinks before school.
Others are finding the amount of drive-thru coffee shops overwhelming. Mount Vernon has two Starbucks locations, 7 Brew, Dunkin, and now a fifth coffee establishment.
Mount Vernon residents, especially younger people, wish they had places like Chick-Fil-A, or Raising Canes. What do some of the adults in Mt. Vernon or teachers think about this? “Yes! We do not need another coffee shop,” said Mrs. Sarah Haile, special education department. “We need a Chick-Fil-A or a Jersey Mikes.”
Pastor Dustin Haile of Gateway Church said, “Yes, I wish we were getting something else, like a Chick-Fil-A.”
Mrs. Laura Mays, MV paraprofessional, could not agree more, “We do not need another coffee shop!”
Apparently some are tired of having the same types of establishments coming in.
MV students will agree that Mount Vernon has too many coffee shops within a short distance of each other. Even our own students, as they start to drive themselves to get coffee every morning find themselves at one coffee shop, yet being surrounded by multiple others.
Jeremiah Jackson, ‘27, and new Dutch Bros employee, made this comment on the issue, “I feel as though 7 Brew and Dutch Bros will have just as much competition as 7 Brew and Starbucks had. I do believe three coffee shops within a one-mile radius may be too much for the average Mount Vernon mind to comprehend.”
MV students have all different types of opinions on the coffee shop here in Mount Vernon.
“I like 7 Brew and have never gotten a good drink from Dutch Bros; it was not very good. The one time I went, I did not like my order. 7 Brew will still do much better!” said Alyson Peterson ‘27.
Some opinions may be more negative than others, but it’s the truth’ people have different taste and opinions than others, but let’s not just focus on the taste. Let’s dive into the service and behind the scenes from Dutch Bros management and local 7 Brew employees.
As of now no one from the Dutch Bros corporation has said anything about the proximity of the 7 Brew in Mt. Vernon to their new location.
“I’m not scared of them,” said Addison Boyt, manager of 7 Brew, Mt. Vernon, IL. “I think that with the positive message and mindset that 7 Brew has to deliver to our customers, and not only deliver to our customers wonderful tasting drinks, but a positive experience every single time they come through, we will be more than happy to welcome them to the competition and we wish them luck!”
The 7 Brew manager doesn’t seem worried about this, they are both in the same industry and love to make drinks and make people feel good and have a good experience, which is what a good businesses goal should be.
7 Brew employee Phoebe Haile has a similar answer, “I don’t really care. I’m excited to try new drinks, but 7 Brew’s vibe is definitely better.”
The employees don’t seem to care much either, some may even be happy if it takes away some of the busy lines in the mornings.
7 Brew’s fun and energetic vibe has resonated with its repeat customers, with their music blasting, employees hastily making drinks, but also dancing and signing along to the music at the same time. Will Dutch Bros have the same care, kindness, and fun with their customers as 7 Brew does?
The reaction to this one establishment could really be good or bad, many are wondering if Dutch Bros will it be as busy as 7 Brew is, or will it be cramped with the limited space, how long will the wait times be? These first opening weeks will set the tone for the rest of the year for Dutch Bros’ business.
7 Brew has left a good mark on many kids and adults in Mount Vernon with its friendly and fun atmosphere, alongside some of the funniest, and truly honest workers in Mount Vernon. Will Dutch Bros really be worth the praise it gets from previous customers?
Dutch Bros opened on Saturday, February 21, and only time will tell whether or not it will be able to have the same impact on customers as 7 Brew has. But nonetheless, Mt. Vernon is hoping for a successful and good opening for Dutch Bros.
