Dunn Brothers Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee company known for roasting globally sourced coffee beans in small batches in-store daily, is entering Illinois while expanding its footprint in Iowa.
The brand signed a development agreement with new franchise partners Beans & Rice, LLC, led by Kevin and Michelle Ramirez. The agreement includes locations in Davenport and Clinton, Iowa, and East Moline, Illinois, with the first shop projected to open in 2027.
“We are avid coffee enthusiasts and love everything about Dunn, including seeing everything freshly done in-shop,” said Kevin Ramirez. “We believe in giving back to the areas that allow us to operate, and to give back consistently. Our upcoming coffee shops will allow us to do just that.”
The Ramirezes, both Iowa natives, bring more than two decades of franchise experience to the brand. They currently operate multiple Jersey Mike’s Subs locations and previously spent 20 years as Arby’s franchisees.
“After more than 20 years in franchising, we know what a strong brand partner looks like,” said Michelle Ramirez. “Dunn Brothers roasts its coffee right in the shop, which gives guests an experience they can’t find anywhere else, and the leadership team has supported us at every step. It felt like the right brand for our next chapter.”
The deal adds to a strong year of growth for Dunn Brothers. In its home market of Minnesota, the brand recently opened four locations at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where it serves as the official coffee partner. Earlier this year, they became the official coffee partner for the St. Paul Saints. Additionally, the company announced further expansion into South Dakota for next summer.
“We are delighted to welcome Kevin and Michelle to the Dunn Brothers family and to see them bring our exceptional coffee to the markets they will be serving,” said Ben Anderson, President of Dunn Brothers Coffee. “We are excited to support them with the brand expansion into Illinois, while strengthening our presence in Iowa with additional shops. They are community-focused leaders that we are proud to be partnering with.”
A majority of the locations are independently owned by local community members. The company offers franchise partners a variety of flexible design options to fit their individual goals, from brick-and-mortar storefronts to grocery retailers and higher education campuses. For more information about Dunn Brothers Coffee, including franchising opportunities, visit dunnbrothers.com.
