The Minneapolis coffee brand is adding three shops across Illinois and Iowa through a new agreement with experienced franchise operators.
- Dunn Brothers Coffee expands into Illinois and Iowa.
- New franchise deal with Kevin and Michelle Ramirez.
- Locations projected in Davenport, Clinton, and East Moline.
Dunn Brothers Coffee is entering Illinois while expanding its presence in Iowa through a new three-location development agreement with franchise partners Kevin and Michelle Ramirez. Through their company, Beans & Rice, LLC, the Ramirezes will develop shops in Davenport and Clinton, Iowa, and East Moline, Illinois, with the first location projected to open in 2027. The Minneapolis-based brand is known for roasting globally sourced coffee beans in small batches in its shops each day.
The Ramirezes bring more than two decades of franchise experience to the deal. The Iowa natives currently operate multiple Jersey Mike’s Subs locations and previously spent 20 years as Arby’s franchisees. Kevin Ramirez said the couple was drawn to Dunn Brothers because of its in-store roasting model and its emphasis on giving back to the communities where its shops operate. Michelle Ramirez said their experience in franchising helped them recognize Dunn Brothers as a strong brand partner for their next stage of growth.
The agreement adds to a busy year for Dunn Brothers. In Minnesota, the company recently opened four locations at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where it serves as the official coffee partner, and earlier this year became the official coffee partner of the St. Paul Saints. The brand has also announced additional expansion into South Dakota for next summer, extending its reach beyond its Minneapolis home market.
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Dunn Brothers has built its growth strategy around locally owned locations, with the majority of its shops independently operated by community members. The company also offers franchise partners flexible design options that can accommodate traditional storefronts as well as grocery retailers and higher education campuses. The Ramirez agreement reflects that broader approach, allowing the brand to establish its first Illinois locations while adding new points of service in a neighboring Iowa market.
With nearly 50 locations across six states, Dunn Brothers is using experienced franchise operators and multiple development formats to broaden its footprint. The upcoming shops in Davenport, Clinton and East Moline will give the company another opportunity to introduce its in-store roasting model to new communities while extending a franchise relationship that already has more than 20 years of operating experience behind it.
Key Facts:
| Expansion to Illinois | Dunn Brothers Coffee enters Illinois as part of its growth strategy. |
|---|---|
| Iowa Growth | New stores planned in Davenport and Clinton, enhancing Iowa's coffee scene. |
| Franchise Partnership | Kevin and Michelle Ramirez of Beans & Rice, LLC, partner with Dunn Brothers. |
| In-store Roasting | Dunn Brothers known for its unique in-store coffee roasting process. |
| Community Focus | Majority of Dunn Brothers locations independently owned by local community members. |
| Leadership Support | Dunn Brothers provides strong support to franchise partners throughout the process. |
| Additional State Expansion | New branches and partnerships in Minnesota and plans for South Dakota expansion. |
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