Paradise, Calif. (April 1, 2019) – On April 1, Dutch Bros Coffee will reopen its doors in Paradise, California, nearly five months after the community was devastated by wildfires. This was California’s most destructive fire in history, with over 14,000 homes lost and approximately 25,000 people affected.
“The hope is that the reopening will help customers feel a sense of normalcy and comfort again, even if it’s for five minutes going through the drive-thru,” said Matt Long, operator of Dutch Bros Paradise. “Our community has been through so much, and whatever we can do to help our customers smile, we’ll do it.”
Back in November, Dutch Bros held a companywide giveback campaign to support wildfire relief efforts in California, raising $401,530 for local non-profit organizations directly serving fire victims with immediate needs. Now, the employees of Dutch Bros Paradise are volunteering with the Neighborhood Church of Chico and Alliance Builders Foundation, helping families recover personal items from the ashes, such as jewelry, coins and other invaluable keepsakes that may have survived the flames.
To help customers feel supported during this difficult time, Dutch Bros will be offering one FREE medium drink per customer on Monday, April 8, to show some love to the town of Paradise. Dutch Bros hopes the free day will provide the community with a friendly smile, kind words and a favorite beverage on the company.
“Reopening Dutch Bros means so much to us,” said Casey Olson, shop manager of Dutch Bros Paradise. “After such a devastating event, where so many lost everything, we want to be a place where people can come together to have a genuine conversation and share a familiar friendly smile. Our community is strong, and we will be there to welcome everyone back!”
The recovery effort in Paradise is ongoing, and the town has been without clean water since the wildfires occurred. To ensure the safety and health of its customers, Dutch Bros is bringing in a permanent water tank and will utilize its existing canister water filter system, which is clean and meets health department standards.
Beginning April 1, the shop will be open seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be ready to serve customers with a full menu.
