City Editor Aayat loved the Annihilator, which combines espresso, half-and-half, and chocolate macadamia nut syrup. | Photo by LEXtoday
A little over three decades ago near the Oregon coast, two brothers opened a simple espresso cart that combined some of their favorite things: coffee, community, and camaraderie.
Since then, Dutch Bros has become a household name in the region, and now, its bringing its friendly broistas, countless drink concoctions, and swift service to the Southeast.
We spoke with Coleman Davis, local operator, ahead of the opening for Kentucky’s first location here in Lexington.
Dutch Bros is known for its fast service featuring two drive-thru lanes, as well as a walk-up window. | Photo by LEXtoday
What do you hope Dutch Bros will add to our community?
"[We] really want to pour into the communities we’re in, which is why we partner with organizations for our givebacks. We do three national givebacks a year where we donate to local youth and food organizations.
What sets Dutch Bros apart from other drive thru coffee shops?
"[We] always say we’re a people company first and a coffee company second. Meaning, we provide a welcoming environment for all of our customers and crew.
As far as our products, while we offer signature coffees, smoothies, teas, our exclusive Rebel energy drink, and signature cold brew, I feel as though we are better known for our ability to handcraft any drink.”
Do you have a personal favorite drink? If so, what is it?
“I have a couple of favorites, our exclusive Rebel Energy Drink with strawberry and our Nitro Cold Brew Mocha.”
Dutch Bros is now open at 234 E. New Circle Rd. and you can stop by:
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 6 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $32-$69 | Join Mickey, Minnie, and the gang for a costume party featuring dancing, acrobatics, and live music.
Guns N’ Roses | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $29-$399 | Take us down to Lexington city, where the grass is blue, and the horses are pretty.
Everclear | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | $37-$100 | Jam out to pure rock ‘n roll with this Billboard award-winning Portland band.
Thursday, Sept. 7
HARVEST 2023 | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St., Lexington | $150 | Take a food journey with this four-course dinner in support of nonprofit organization FoodChain.
Southland Jamboree | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 7 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St., Lexington | Free | Grab a lawn chair and head to this outdoor concert featuring music from regional Bluegrass artists.
Friday, Sept. 8
Lexington Mercantile Co. Fall Market | Friday, Sept. 8-Saturday, Sept. 9 | Times vary | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Grab an Oktoberfest brew + celebrate the fall season by browsing local arts and crafts.
Burl County Fair | Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $53.50-$144 | Head to the Distillery District for small town fair vibes with big talent artists plus classic themed games, rides, and food.
Need a one-stop-shop for all aromatics? Lexington Spice & Tea Merchants has officially opened, where you can shop from dozens of loose leaf teas, spices, herbs, gifts, and uniquely crafted seasoning blends. Spice up your life by exploring its options at 807 Euclid Ave.
Ranked
According to Forbes, Kentucky’s best employer is right here in Lexington. The fifth annual list of America’s Best Employers By State ranked UK as the No. 1 employer based on criteria like employee engagement, working conditions, diversity, compensation, and company reputation. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Festival
Find your roots at the Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival, which takes place this Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10. Each day will be filled with live music — (think: Tee Dee Young + Danny Clay) — vendors, and a parade, all in celebration of Lexington’s diverse community.
Film
Calling all cinephiles — sQecial Media will once again sponsor the Rosa Goddard International Film Festival. The film festival highlights stories directed, written, and acted by women. Head to the Kentucky Theatre Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 13 at 7:15 p.m. to see the featured films.
Job
Bespoken Spirits, the San Francisco ag-tech company bringing its headquarters to Greyline Station, is hiring a Director of Production. Responsibilities will include building a culture of safety, maintaining quality, manage daily operations for orders, and more. Learn more + apply.
Shop
Vintage shopping among Lexington’s skyline? Count us in. The Manchester and Wearhouse Vintage will host Palms of the Past, a curated pop-up market featuring rare vintage clothes, accessories, and more. Thrift to your heart’s desire on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Health
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be treated like one. Get treated by the same physicians who treat UK athletes at the UK HealthCare Sports Medicine walk-in clinic, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., at UK HealthCare - Turfland. To make an appointment with a Sports Medicine specialist, call (859) 218-3131.*
Finance
A Banksy got everyday investors 32% returns? You read that right. Thousands of investors are smiling all the way to the bankthanks to the fine-art investing platform Masterworks. Investors have benefited from 16 sales with returns including 13.9%, 27.3%, and 35.0%. Interested? LEXtoday readers canskip the waitlist and join.†*
The Kentucky Castle is known for its sweeping views on the outskirts of Lexington. | Photo courtesy of The Kentucky Castle
The hospitality company with ties to Angel’s Envy has purchased the Kentucky Castle for a whopping $19 million.
According to the Herald-Leader, the 53-acre property in Woodford County was sold last week to TKC Hospitality Group, which is led by Angel’s Envy co-founder Wes Henderson.
Since 2017, the space has served as a wedding + event venue, hotel, and restaurant. Although concrete plans about the future of the castle have not been announced, a statement from the new owners read:
“As Kentucky natives, TKC has always been a part of our lives as an iconic local landmark, and we are thrilled to be part of the next chapter, building upon the world class experience created by our predecessors.
Looking to the future, we will be collaborating with our neighbors in Pisgah, local businesses, schools, and the entire community, to maintain and grow the deep roots and legacy of this historic destination.”
Shop
Shop 9.6.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Outdoors
Before you start cheering for your favorite team, make sure you have the perfect game day gear. From sunglasses to earrings, shop Six & Main’s tailgate collection.
Fun Fact
Looking for a new coffee, candle, or moisturizer? We’ve got you covered. Shop some of Six & Main’s new arrivals. There’s something for everyone.
Drink
The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.
Health
Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.
Wellness
It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.
We’re all about trying new experiences in and around Lexington. Have a suggestion? Drop us a line and let us know what experience or event you’d like us to cover.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.