Dun Bros Coffee

Dunn Brothers Coffee is a well-established specialty coffeehouse chain based in Minnesota, renowned for its fresh, in-store roasted coffee and a franchise model that emphasizes community involvement. The company was founded in December 1987 by brothers Ed and Dan Dunn, who opened their first store on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. They used a refurbished 1950s roaster to deliver a unique and fresh coffee experience to local customers. This approach quickly set the brand apart as a regional leader, leading to the opening of a second location in Minneapolis in 1991 and a steady expansion across the Midwest and Great Plains.

As of July 2023, Dunn Brothers Coffee operates 52 stores across seven states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin, with the highest concentration of locations in Minnesota. A pivotal moment in the company's history came in July 2022 when Gala Capital Partners acquired Dunn Brothers Coffee. This acquisition brought new resources and strategic direction, further bolstered by the appointment of Scott Harvey as President in July 2023. Under his leadership, the company has been actively expanding, focusing on core Midwest markets and introducing innovative store formats such as drive-thru concepts to meet changing consumer preferences.

The franchise model is central to Dunn Brothers Coffee's operations, with most stores owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who are deeply connected to their communities. This local ownership ensures that each store reflects the unique character of its neighborhood. The company is also committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, partnering with organizations like Fair Trade USA and the Rainforest Alliance.

Dunn Brothers Coffee is not only about tradition; it also embraces innovation. The brand offers a variety of 12 to 15 whole bean selections, roasted fresh daily, and ensures that no coffee is sold more than five days after roasting. Recent menu innovations, such as the Dunn Dirty’s collection, which combines nostalgic soda flavors with creamy coffee and fruity notes, highlight the brand's dedication to evolving consumer tastes.

For commercial real estate professionals, Dunn Brothers Coffee is a reliable and scalable tenant. Its proven franchise model and adaptable store formats make it suitable for various retail environments. The company's ongoing expansion, supported by a robust infrastructure and strong regional brand recognition, positions it as an attractive option for landlords looking for stable, community-oriented operators. With plans to reach 250 locations over the next five years, Dunn Brothers Coffee is actively seeking new sites and franchise partners, focusing on high-traffic areas in the Midwest and Great Plains while remaining open to opportunities in other markets. The brand's combination of local ownership, fresh product focus, and strategic growth makes it a dynamic player in the specialty coffee segment, offering landlords and developers a dependable partner for retail activation and community engagement.