Dutch Bros Coffee vs Moe's Southwest GrillFranchise Comparison 2026
Dutch Bros Coffee and Moe's Southwest Grill represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dutch Bros Coffee | Moe's Southwest Grill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $400,000 | $350,000 | +14% |
| Total Investment (High) | $700,000 | $710,000 | -1% |
| Cash Required | $300,000 | $250,000 | +20% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% | Same |
| Advertising Fee | 2.0% | 3.0% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $1.7M | $920,000 | +85% |
| Number of Locations | 900 | 720 | More |
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2000 | Older |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | Same |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Dutch Bros Coffee
Drive-thru coffee chain with energy drinks and specialty beverages. Strong cult following and high per-unit sales. Requires multi-unit development commitment.
About Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Dutch Bros Coffee(avg $550,000), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Dutch Bros Coffee may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Dutch Bros Coffee has lower ongoing fees (7.0% total) compared to Moe's Southwest Grill(8.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Dutch Bros Coffee has a significantly larger footprint with 900 locations compared to Moe's Southwest Grill's 720. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Dutch Bros Coffee vs Moe's Southwest Grill franchise?
Dutch Bros Coffee requires an initial investment of $400,000 to $700,000, while Moe's Southwest Grill requires $350,000 to $710,000. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Dutch Bros Coffee vs Moe's Southwest Grill?
Dutch Bros Coffee charges a 5.0% royalty plus 2.0% advertising fee (7.0% total). Moe's Southwest Grill charges 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Dutch Bros Coffee has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Dutch Bros Coffee or Moe's Southwest Grill?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Dutch Bros Coffee generates $1.7M per location compared to $920,000 for Moe's Southwest Grill. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Dutch Bros Coffee have vs Moe's Southwest Grill?
Dutch Bros Coffee has 900 locations, while Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations. Dutch Bros Coffee has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Dutch Bros Coffee or Moe's Southwest Grill a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Dutch Bros Coffee and Moe's Southwest Grill are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Dutch Bros Coffee shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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