Dutch Bros. taps True Kitchen exec as president

Dutch Bros Inc. has named a former Starbucks executive as president.

The fast-growing coffee chain named Christine Barone as president. She will begin in the first quarter of 2021 and report to Joth Ricci, who will remain as CEO.

Barone most recently served as CEO of True Food Kitchen, since August 2016. Prior to that, she a was senior VP for food, evenings and licensed stores at Starbucks, from 2011 to 2016.  Earlier in her career, she held positions with Bain & Company and Raymond James.

As president of Dutch Bros, Barone will spearhead company operations as the brand continues to move towards its goal of 4,000 locations in the next 10 to 15 years. Her hands-on leadership, deep knowledge of the coffee and service industries, and digital marketing expertise will be crucial in Dutch Bros’ next phase of growth, the company said.

“We’re pleased to welcome Christine to our team. She’s a well-respected industry leader known for her incredible strategic and operational skills,” Ricci stated. “As we look to the next phase of our brand story, we’re committed to bringing in best-in-class leadership to help us scale and grow.”

Dutch Bros. went public in September 2021. The company’s total revenue in its most recent third quarter grew 53.0% to $198.6 million. System same-shop sales grew 1.7% over the year-ago period. Net income was $1.6 million as compared to a net loss of $(116.8) million in the same period of 2021. For the full year, Dutch Bros’ total revenues are now projected to be at least $725 million.

Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros began with a double-head espresso machine and a pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon. As of September 30, 2022, the brand had 641 locations across 14 states.