Restaurant Owners Uncorked - By Schedulefly

In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil welcomes Darren Spicer, co-founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee Bar, a fast-growing drive-thru coffee concept with 17 locations across the Carolinas. Darren shares his journey from bagging groceries to working at Dutch Bros, then taking a leap from a successful medical sales career to build Clutch Coffee with his co-founders. The conversation dives into the brand’s philosophy of serving “positive energy,” its people-first culture, growth strategy, and the importance of authentic customer service as a differentiator in an increasingly transactional industry. Darren highlights lessons learned in funding, location strategy, and leadership while underscoring his belief that hospitality is about genuine human connection, not just speed or convenience.Key Takeaways Origin Story: Darren’s first taste of customer service came as a teenage barista, which shaped his passion for hospitality. Dutch Bros Influence: His time at Dutch Bros taught him the value of culture and