Grants Pass Tribune - Sun. January 21, 2024

Page 1

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024

WWW.GRANTSPASSTRIBUNE.COM

Dutch Bros Corporate Moving to Phoenix, AZ By Jim Randall Dutch Bros Coffee has recently unveiled plans for a strategic exit from its roots in Oregon. The company announced last week that approximately 40% of its total support staff positions will be relocated to Phoenix within the next year. While the exact number of positions affected remains unconfirmed, Dutch Bros emphasizes that this move is a crucial component of its strategic operational adjustments. This decision to shift a significant portion of its support staff to Phoenix is rooted in the company’s pursuit of enhanced logistical advantages. Dutch Bros asserts that Arizona’s central location better serves its operational needs, particularly in terms of transportation, when compared to the current Southern Oregon base. Additionally, the coffee giant is in the midst of constructing a second roasting facility in Texas, set to open later this year, showcasing its commitment to expanding its footprint. Despite efforts to gather comments on this strategic move, a representative from Dutch Bros was unavailable for input at the time of reporting. This shift coincides with the ascension of Christine Barone to the position of CEO earlier this year. Barone, now based in Arizona, previously held the role of the company’s president for the past year and brings with her valuable executive experience from her tenure at Starbucks. Her ambitious goal for Dutch Bros is to propel the brand to a staggering total of 4,000 locations within the next 15 years. In addition to this strategic relocation, Dutch Bros underscores its commitment to maintaining a substantial presence in Grants Pass, ensuring the retention of its main roasting facility. This move signifies a broader vision under Barone’s leadership, aiming not only for expansion but also for a more streamlined and efficient operational structure.

The history of Dutch Bros Coffee is noteworthy in understanding the trajectory of this decision. Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in Grants Pass, Oregon, Dutch Bros started as a single espresso pushcart. The company’s growth has been marked by its unique approach to customer service, emphasizing speed and friendliness. Over the years, Dutch Bros has become a beloved brand known for its signature drinks, lively drive-thru experiences, and commitment to community engagement. As Dutch Bros charts this new course, leaving its Oregonian roots behind, it reflects the dynamism of the coffee industry and the strategic imperatives faced by large-scale enterprises. The company’s expansion plans, coupled with its operational adjustments, underscore the competitive landscape within the coffee market. With Christine Barone at the helm, Dutch Bros is poised for a transformative journey, navigating through changes while staying true to its commitment to both growth and community presence. This story is evolving, and further details are anticipated as Dutch Bros Coffee continues to shape its future in the coffee industry landscape.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Public domain

Layers of Concertina are added to existing barrier infrastructure along the U.S. - Mexico border near Nogales, AZ, February 4, 2019

Biden flip flops on border security while asking for more money GPT News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – In a candid assessment of the current state of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden acknowledged on Friday that he does not believe the border is secure. This unusually frank admission came as Biden advocated for comprehensive changes in Congress to address border security issues. When asked by a reporter if he deems the border secure, Biden responded, “No, it’s not. I haven’t believed that for the last 10 years, and I’ve said it for the last 10 years. Give me the money.” The President, who has previously refrained from characterizing the situation at the border as a crisis, is actively pushing for a deal in Congress. This deal would involve a supplemental

see BIDEN, page 3

Tipping in Grants Pass

Did you know this year is a Leap Year? By Arron Ingram As the calendar flips its pages in 2024, it’s worth noting that this year is a leap year, adding an extra day to our usual 365-day journey around the sun. Every four years, we experience this phenomenon, a celestial adjustment to keep our calendars in sync with Earth’s orbit. In a leap year, the month of February boasts 29 days instead of the customary 28, offering an additional 24 hours to our annual timeline. This quirky adjustment helps align our human-constructed calendars with the astronomical reality, ensuring our seasons and

months stay synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions. Leap years are marked by this calendrical anomaly, a reminder of the precision involved in tracking time. So, as you navigate your schedules and plan for the months ahead, don’t forget to account for the extra day in February. Whether you use it to catch up on tasks, celebrate a special occasion, or simply relish the bonus time, the leap year is a fascinating quirk in the tapestry of our temporal existence. Embrace the extra day and let the rhythm of this leap year add a unique beat to the symphony of your 2024 experience.

By Leaf Barret Over the past five years, the landscape of tipping in Grants Pass has undergone notable shifts; from screens being pushed in your face to automatic tips being chosen for you on your app. All these changes have created ripples that extend beyond the local dining establishments and service industries. Tipping, a customary practice ingrained in American culture, has become a nuanced aspect of economic transactions, reflecting changing societal norms and economic dynamics.

see LANDSCAPE, page 2


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.