Large coffee QSR chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros saw “steady” visits in Q3 2025, with foot traffic rising 1.4% year over year (YoY) in the segment, reported foot traffic research firm Placer.ai.
“Overall visits to Starbucks (-1.7% YoY in Q3) and Dunkin’ (-0.7% YoY in Q3) remained largely stable compared to last year, outperforming the wider QSR segment. On a same-store basis, Starbucks fell 5.2% YoY while Dunkin’ slipped 1.7%, reflecting Dunkin’s stronger value positioning. Dunkin’, however, outperformed Starbucks on a same-store basis, holding nearly flat with just a 1.7% decline—likely reflecting its stronger value positioning. Starbucks, by contrast, saw same-store visits fall 5.2% YoY,” Placer.ai wrote.
The report noted that both brands also experienced a slowdown in traffic in September, suggesting that consumers may be pulling back on small indulgences.
Meanwhile, Dutch Bros has continued its upward trajectory, with visits up 8.8% YoY in Q3 2025 and same-store visits hovering just below 2024 levels—a “sign of steady demand even amid rapid expansion.”
Placer.ai noted that visits to individual coffee venues declined 2.9% in Q3, only slightly outperforming the 3.3% drop across the wider QSR segment. “In other words, coffee’s visit growth is being powered primarily by chain expansion rather than heavier traffic to existing units. Still, the category’s ability to sustain growth amid consumer pullbacks highlights coffee’s unique staying power—an everyday indulgence that consumers seem unwilling to give up, even as other affordable dining luxuries lose steam,” it said.
In March, Dutch Bros’ CEO said it plans to operate over 2,000 shops by the year 2029. On the other hand, Starbucks announced the closures of hundreds of stores in September.
At the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, the Education Session “More Than Just a Cup: Transforming Convenience Coffee,” featured leaders from OXXO, Kwik Trip and Casey’s discussing how their brands are elevating the coffee experience one blend, one innovation and one guest interaction at a time. Read more here.