20 Dutch Bros. Interview Questions and Answers

Dutch Bros. is a privately held American coffee company headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, with over 300 locations in the United States. The company is the largest private drive-thru coffee chain in the United States.

If you’re applying for a job at Dutch Bros., you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Dutch Bros. interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Dutch Bros. Interview Process

The interview process at Dutch Bros. is pretty laid back and casual. You’ll start with a group interview, and then move on to individual interviews. The questions are all about your personality, not necessarily your experience. They’re just trying to get to know you! Prepare to talk about moments you’ve learned from and why you would be a great employee for their company.

1. What is your experience with customer service?

Dutch Bros. is a customer service-oriented company, so hiring managers may ask this question to see if you have experience in the industry. They want to know that you can provide excellent customer service and are familiar with some of the best practices for doing so. In your answer, share an example of how you provided great customer service in the past.

Example: “I worked at a coffee shop while I was in college, and we had a lot of customers every day. We always made sure to greet our customers as they came in and thanked them for their business. If someone needed help deciding what drink to order, we were happy to assist them. We also offered free samples to anyone who wanted one.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict and stress. Dutch Bros. wants employees who can remain calm under pressure, so it’s important to answer this question thoughtfully.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t get the drink they ordered. I apologized for their experience and offered them a free drink on me. They were still unhappy, but I explained that we would be happy to remake their drink if they came back in. The next day, they returned with a friend and got the drink they originally wanted.”

3. Do you have any experience working in the food industry?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience working in a fast-paced environment and can work well with others. If you do not have any experience, consider talking about your ability to learn quickly or how you are willing to develop new skills.

Example: “I worked at a local restaurant for three years as a server. I learned how to multitask while providing excellent customer service. I also developed my communication skills by interacting with customers of all ages and backgrounds. Dutch Bros. seems like a great place to continue developing these skills.”

4. How would you describe your personality?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how it might fit in with the rest of their team. They want to know that you’re a friendly, outgoing person who can work well with others. When answering this question, try to be honest while also showing that you have positive traits.

Example: “I’m an outgoing person who loves meeting new people. I enjoy working as part of a team and helping my coworkers succeed. I am always willing to lend a hand or help out when needed. I think these are great qualities for someone working at Dutch Bros., where we need to interact with customers all day.”

5. If hired, what do you think you would bring to Dutch Bros.?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any skills or experiences that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “I think I would bring my outgoing personality and friendly demeanor to Dutch Bros. I love interacting with customers and making them feel welcome when they come into our locations. I also have experience working as part of a team, which I think will help me work well with everyone on your staff.”

6. Would you be comfortable taking orders over the phone or on social media?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your communication skills. It’s important that you can clearly and concisely take orders over the phone or online, as this is how most customers place their orders at Dutch Bros.

Example: “I have experience taking orders over the phone and on social media, so I am comfortable doing it. In my last position, I was responsible for answering questions about our menu and specials, which required me to communicate with customers in both written and verbal form. I find that communicating with customers helps build relationships and makes them more likely to return.”

7. Why do you want to work at Dutch Bros.?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Dutch Bros. They want to know that you are passionate about their company and its values. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you.

Example: “I have always been impressed by the quality of coffee that Dutch Bros. serves. I love how friendly everyone who works here seems to be. I also appreciate the fact that Dutch Bros. gives back to the community through fundraisers and donations. These things make me excited to work here.”

8. Are you able to lift 50 lbs.?

This question is asked to determine if you are physically capable of performing the job duties. The interviewer wants to make sure that you can lift and carry coffee, milk and other supplies needed for your shift. You should answer honestly about your physical capabilities. If you have not lifted 50 lbs. before, consider practicing at home or with a friend so you feel confident in your response.

Example: “Yes, I am able to lift 50 lbs. In my last position as a barista, I was responsible for lifting and carrying large bags of coffee beans. I also had to move kegs of milk from the back room to the front counter. I would often work alongside another employee, so we would take turns moving heavy items.”

9. Describe a time when you worked as part of a team.

Working as part of a team is an important skill for baristas. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience working with others and how well you work together. In your answer, explain what made the situation unique and highlight any skills or traits that helped you succeed in that role.

Example: “In my last job, I worked alongside two other baristas. We all had different strengths and weaknesses, but we learned from each other and supported one another when needed. For example, if one person was busy making drinks while another was taking orders, I would help them by getting customers their drinks so they could focus on taking orders. This allowed us to serve more customers than if we were alone.”

10. How often are you available to work?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn about your availability. They may ask this question to see if you are available during their busiest times of day, which can be early mornings and late evenings. If you have any scheduling conflicts, it’s important to let them know as soon as possible so they can find another candidate who is available at those times.

Example: “I am currently only able to work from 7 a.m. until noon on weekdays, but I am looking into getting my schedule changed so that I can start working later in the morning. I would love to work more hours with Dutch Bros., though, so I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

11. How would you react if a customer asked for something that wasn’t offered?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle customer requests and complaints. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “If a customer asked for something that wasn’t offered at Dutch Bros., I would first try to find an alternative they might like. If there was nothing else I could offer them, I would apologize and explain why we don’t have what they want. Then, I would ask if they wanted their drink for free or if they’d like to pay for it anyway.”

12. What are some strategies you use to keep yourself motivated during a long shift?

Dutch Bros. is a fast-paced environment, and employees need to be able to stay motivated throughout their shifts. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have strategies for staying energized during your workday.

Example: “I find it helpful to take short breaks every hour or so to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I also make sure to eat healthy snacks between making drinks to keep my energy up. Another strategy I use to stay focused on my tasks is to set small goals for myself throughout the day. This helps me feel accomplished as I go about my shift.”

13. What does great customer service mean to you?

Dutch Bros. is a coffee shop that prides itself on its customer service, so it’s important to show the interviewer you understand what great customer service looks like. Use your answer to explain how you would provide excellent customer service at Dutch Bros.

Example: “Great customer service means making sure every customer feels welcome and appreciated when they come into the store. It also means going above and beyond for customers by providing them with information about our products and offering suggestions based on their preferences. I believe that great customer service is all about building relationships with customers so they feel comfortable coming back again and again.”

14. Have you ever been fired from a job?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see how you respond when things don’t go well. Employers want to know that you can take responsibility for your actions and learn from them. When answering this question, be honest about what happened but focus on the positive outcome of the situation.

Example: “I was fired from my first job as a barista at a coffee shop because I didn’t show up for work for two days. At the time, I had no idea why I missed those shifts, but after talking with my manager, we figured out that I had been working so many hours that I forgot which ones were supposed to be my days off. After that experience, I made sure to write down all of my scheduled shifts so I could keep track of them.”

15. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness, how important do you feel it is to maintain a clean workspace?

This question is an opportunity to show your attention to detail and ability to follow rules. It’s also a way for the interviewer to learn more about how you feel about cleanliness in general, which can be important when working with customers who expect high standards of hygiene.

Example: “I think it’s very important to maintain a clean workspace because it shows respect for both our employees and our customers. I understand that Dutch Bros. has a specific cleaning schedule that all locations must adhere to, so I would make sure to keep up with my workstation at all times. I’m also aware that there are consequences if we don’t meet these standards, so I’d do everything in my power to ensure I was always following company policy.”

16. What do you know about Dutch Bros.?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to see how much you know about Dutch Bros. and whether or not you have done your research before coming in for an interview. It’s important that you show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the company, so be sure to do some research on the company prior to your interview.

Example: “I know that Dutch Bros. was founded by three brothers who wanted to create a coffee shop with a fun atmosphere. I also know that they offer delicious drinks and snacks along with excellent customer service. I’ve heard that Dutch Bros. has a unique culture where employees feel valued and appreciated.”

17. Can you tell us about a time you were given constructive criticism and how you handled it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you respond to feedback and whether you’re open to improving your skills. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when you received constructive criticism from a supervisor or colleague and used that information to improve your performance.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project with another employee who had more experience than me. After we completed our task, he gave me some constructive criticism about how I could have done better. At first, I felt defensive because I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t doing well at my job. However, I realized he was just trying to help me learn and do better in the future. I thanked him for his advice and took what he said into consideration.”

18. What type of environment do you like to work in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for Dutch Bros. They want to know that you will enjoy working in their environment and culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about the company’s work environment or culture that you like.

Example: “I really enjoy working in an energetic environment where everyone is friendly and positive. I find that when people are happy at work, they tend to provide better service to customers. At my last job, we had a lot of fun while still getting our work done. We also helped each other out and were always there for one another. I think your company has a similar vibe.”

19. What are some qualities of a good leader?

A good leader is someone who can inspire their team to work hard and achieve goals. A hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have the qualities of a good leader. When answering, think about what makes a great leader in your opinion. Consider mentioning some leadership skills that you possess.

Example: “A good leader is someone who inspires others to do their best work. They are also someone who is willing to take on challenges themselves. I believe these two traits are essential for any successful business. In my last position, I was promoted to shift supervisor because of my ability to motivate my coworkers and lead by example. I am confident that I can apply those same skills at Dutch Bros.”

20. When was the last time you had to make a difficult decision?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you make decisions and what your thought process is. This can be an opportunity to show that you are decisive, but also consider all options before making a choice.

Example: “When I was working as a barista at my previous job, we were running low on supplies one day. One customer came in asking for a specific drink that required two shots of espresso. We only had one shot left, so I had to decide whether or not to give them the last shot or tell them we didn’t have any more. In this situation, I decided to use the last shot to make their drink. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best decision given our circumstances.”