Dutch Bros Inc. Welcomes Jennifer Somers as Chief Shops Officer

Reporting directly to Christine Barone, the CEO and President of Dutch Bros, Somers will oversee the company’s field organization and shop operations. Her responsibilities will encompass driving operational excellence, fostering growth, and ensuring a consistent brand experience across both company-owned and franchise locations.

Christine Barone expressed her enthusiasm about Somers’ appointment, stating, “Jennifer is a people-first leader who brings an incredible blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership that will help propel Dutch Bros through our next phase of growth.” Barone emphasized Somers’ impressive track record of scaling high-growth, purpose-driven organizations while maintaining a strong connection to culture and customer service.

Jennifer Somers arrives at Dutch Bros with over 20 years of operational leadership experience, and a significant portion of her career has been dedicated to the restaurant industry. Prior to joining Dutch Bros, she served as the Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, where she successfully managed operations during a period of rapid growth and significantly improved the guest experience.

Somers has also made her mark at Taco Bell, where she spent six years and held various roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in her position as Senior Vice President of US Restaurant Operations. Her extensive background positions her as an ideal leader to tackle the challenges and opportunities Dutch Bros will encounter as it expands.

In her own words, Somers expressed her excitement about joining Dutch Bros during this pivotal time. “I’m thrilled to join Dutch Bros at such an exciting time for the company,” she remarked. She highlighted her admiration for the brand’s culture and how the company’s “Broistas” embody this culture in their daily interactions with customers. Somers is eager to collaborate with field leaders to support teams and ensure that every shop delivers a consistently exceptional experience.

Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros has evolved from a single pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon, to a powerhouse with 1,081 locations across 24 states as of September 30, 2025. The company specializes in high-quality, hand-crafted beverages served with exceptional speed and service. While espresso-based drinks remain the cornerstone of their offerings, Dutch Bros has diversified its menu to include a wide variety of customizable cold and hot beverages, catering to a broad customer base.

The company is not only focused on its products but also on making a positive impact in the lives of its employees, customers, and communities. This commitment is reflected in their community-driven, people-first culture, which has been instrumental in their successful expansion and brand loyalty.

With Somers at the helm of shop operations, Dutch Bros is set to enhance its operational efficiencies and maintain its commitment to delivering high-quality beverages and exceptional customer service. As the company continues to grow, the leadership of Somers will be critical in navigating the challenges of expansion while preserving the company’s unique culture and customer connection.

As Dutch Bros embarks on this exciting chapter, stakeholders and customers alike can anticipate an even more robust experience across all locations, reinforcing the brand's commitment to excellence and community engagement.