Dunn Brothers Coffee: A Journey from 1987 to Today

In 1987, Ed and Dan Dunn founded Dunn Brothers Coffee, bringing their roastery expertise from Portland, Oregon, to the Twin Cities. Their mission was clear: roast in small batches, serve the freshest coffee, and create a welcoming community around their coffee shops. Headquartered in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, this location remains integral to the company's identity and operations.

From the start, Dunn Brothers Coffee set itself apart by roasting coffee in-store, guaranteeing exceptional freshness—a practice that continues to distinguish it from other coffee shops. The franchise model likely began sometime after the company's founding in 1987, facilitating its expansion while adhering to the original vision of quality and community focus.

This franchising approach has enabled Dunn Brothers Coffee to grow beyond its initial location, with each shop independently owned by local community members. This not only promotes local entrepreneurship but also ensures that each coffee shop reflects the unique character of its surrounding environment.

Dunn Brothers Coffee's dedication to quality and community is further highlighted by its involvement in local initiatives and partnerships, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the communities that have supported the brand since its inception.

Training 

Initial Training Program:
Before the shop opens, the franchisee (or its Managing Owner) and the Designated Manager must attend and successfully complete the franchisor's comprehensive training program. This training is conducted at locations specified by the franchisor and must meet the franchisor's standards. Note that all expenses for attending this program are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Mandatory Completion:
Regular management of the shop must be performed by individuals who have successfully completed the franchisor's training program. In exceptional cases, with the franchisor's approval, a person who hasn't completed the training may manage the shop if they already manage other shops as of the agreement's Effective Date. However, the franchisor may require these individuals to complete the training program eventually.

Additional Training:
The franchisor may mandate additional training at the franchisee's expense if it finds any staff member inadequately trained. This could involve training from third parties on subjects such as computer operations or accounting, which the franchisee must attend at their own cost.

Meetings and Conferences:
The franchisee or its Managing Owner and the Designated Manager must attend all meetings and conferences organized by the franchisor for shop owners and employees. Attendance and any associated tuition fees are at the franchisee's expense.

Training Program Details:
The initial training program typically spans 10 to 15 days, providing operational training at the franchisor's corporate support center or another designated location. The franchisor may adjust the duration, content, and structure of this program as needed and offers it periodically throughout the year.

Territory Protection

The franchisor provides designated territories to franchisees, with the size and scope based on various factors such as location, population density, market demographics, and economic conditions. Within these territories, franchisees are granted the right to operate their shop without direct competition from the franchisor or new franchised shops in the same area, provided they are not in default under the Franchise Agreement.

However, this territorial protection does not cover captive market locations within the territory, including airports, malls, or college campuses, where the franchisor retains the right to operate or permit others to operate shops.

Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to operate and authorize others to operate different types of coffee shops or businesses offering similar products and services under different trademarks, both within and outside the franchisee's designated territory.

Therefore, while franchisees benefit from a certain level of territorial protection, it does not entirely prevent competition from the franchisor through different brands or in specific types of locations within their territory.