By Alice Pulliam

Staff Writer

    In early 2026, Clutch Coffee announced its abrupt closure and conversion to Dutch Bros after eight years of serving the Carolinas. Although Clutch originally started in Mooresville, it first opened its doors in Winston-Salem during the fall of 2020 with a location on University Parkway. Since then, Clutch had expanded to several new locations, including its most popular spot on Stratford Road. 

    The friendly staff, variety of unique drinks, and convenience drew a loyal following that now mourns its closure. However, the wait for a replacement won’t be long: Dutch Bros is scheduled to open this Thursday, March 26, 2026.

    R.J. Reynolds junior and regular Clutch customer Lula Koufman expressed her excitement for the switch.

    “When I first heard about the switch, I was excited to find out that the location was going to stay as a coffee and drink place,” Koufman said. “I am so excited to try Dutch out, especially because I have heard so many good things.” 

    Although Koufman looks forward to the grand opening, she cherished the environment Clutch provided.

    “I would go to clutch coffee so often,” Koufman said. “It was always a fun place to go with my friends anytime of day, and I loved going with my sister when she came to visit from college because she loved Clutch.” 

   Koufman is not alone in her mixed emotions. Ms. Crichton, a loyal Clutch fan and English teacher at Reynolds and a loyal Clutch fan, was caught off guard by the news of the closure.

     “It was a traumatic day because I was there that morning and didn’t understand why they were out of things,” Crichton said. “When I realized it was because they were closing, I was actually distraught.”

    While Clutch remained exclusive to the Carolinas, Dutch Bros is considered a national chain currently operating over one thousand locations.

    “Clutch felt a lot more homey than a Dutch Bros would,” Crichton said. 

    However, the two brands share many similarities, including expansive menus. Both offer a wide variety of coffee, energy drinks, teas, as well as the creative freedom for customers to customize their orders.  

    “Clutch had the best energy drinks, and I could add any flavor to them,” Koufman said.

 The similarities aren’t a coincidence; Clutch was originally started by a former Dutch Bros manager along with two other co-founders. While some look forward to the opening with anticipation and others continue to mourn the loss of a local favorite, it is certain that Dutch Bros will see plenty of business—whether from former Clutch regulars or first-timers looking for a new go—to spot to purchase a fun drink. 

    “I love getting to try out new coffee chains, and I’m so excited about the switch!” Koufman said.