The Last Sip of Success

In the lush, green hills of Oregon, where coffee shops dotted the landscape like stars in the night sky, a storm was brewing that would change the state forever.

Governor Tina Kotek sat in her office, staring at the news report flashing across her screen.

Dutch Bros, the beloved coffee company that had risen from a humble cart in Grants Pass to become a national sensation, was officially abandoning the state.

The news hit her like a punch to the gut.

In June 2025, after 33 years of calling Oregon home, Dutch Bros announced it was relocating its headquarters to Phoenix, Arizona.

The company, now worth $11.

8 billion, had become a symbol of success for the state.

But as Tina read the headlines, she felt a sense of dread wash over her.

This was the first large homegrown Oregon company to leave in generations, and the implications were staggering.

Daniel Bonham, the Oregon Senate Republican Leader, had been vocal about the reasons behind the exodus, declaring that the state was punishing success.

Tina knew that the criticisms were valid; the business climate in Oregon had deteriorated rapidly.

A recent study from the University of Oregon revealed that 68% of businesses contacted by recruiters were considering expansion outside the state.

As Tina sat in her office, she couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom.

The state’s business ranking had plummeted from 21st place in 2023 to 39th place in 2025, and it now ranked 47th for business friendliness, just above California, New York, and New Jersey.

The numbers were alarming, and she felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders.

The next day, Tina convened an emergency meeting with her cabinet.

The atmosphere was charged with anxiety as they discussed the fallout from Dutch Bros’ departure.

Mark, her economic advisor, laid out the grim reality.

Over one billion dollars in high-income households were leaving Multnomah County annually.

Companies like Jeld-Wen were relocating to North Carolina, Owens Corning had closed its Prineville plant, and REI had shuttered its Pearl District co-op.

Tina felt a knot tighten in her stomach as she listened to the reports.

The state was losing its economic backbone, and the implications for the community were dire.

She thought of the families that would be affected, the workers who would lose their jobs, and the businesses that relied on the success of companies like Dutch Bros.

In the days that followed, Tina faced mounting pressure from both sides.

Activists demanded more regulations to protect workers, while business owners pleaded for relief from the burdensome tax structure.

The media was relentless, broadcasting stories of the exodus and fueling public outrage.

Meanwhile, Christine Barone, the newly appointed CEO of Dutch Bros, was settling into her new role in Phoenix.

An Arizona native, Christine had been brought in to lead the company through its next chapter, but she never anticipated the backlash that would follow.

As she walked through the bustling streets of Phoenix, she felt a mix of excitement and guilt.

The decision to move had not been easy, but it was necessary for the growth of the company.

Back in Oregon, the mood was grim.

Tina decided to hold a press conference to address the situation.

As she stepped up to the podium, she felt the weight of the cameras on her.

She spoke passionately about the need for a business-friendly environment, acknowledging the challenges the state faced.

But as she looked out at the sea of reporters, she could see the skepticism in their eyes.

The response was swift.

Social media exploded with outrage, and the hashtag #SaveOregon began trending.

Tina watched as videos of former employees of Dutch Bros shared their stories of heartbreak and loss.

The public was angry, and the governor was losing their trust.

One evening, as Tina sat alone in her office, she received a call from Daniel Bonham.

His voice was filled with urgency as he urged her to take action.

He proposed a series of tax incentives to attract businesses back to the state.

Tina felt a flicker of hope as she listened to his suggestions.

Perhaps there was a way to turn the tide and restore faith in Oregon.

The following week, Tina announced a new initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s business climate.

She proposed tax breaks for companies willing to relocate back to Oregon and pledged to streamline regulations that had become a burden.

The response was mixed; some praised her for taking action, while others criticized her for capitulating to business interests.

As the weeks passed, Christine watched the developments from her new office in Phoenix.

She knew that the decision to leave Oregon had been met with fierce backlash, but she also understood that the company needed to grow.

Dutch Bros had plans to expand its footprint, and the resources available in Arizona were too valuable to ignore.

Back in Oregon, Tina continued to push for reforms, but the challenges were daunting.

The state’s reputation had taken a hit, and businesses were hesitant to invest.

She organized town hall meetings, inviting community leaders and business owners to share their concerns.

The response was overwhelming; people were desperate for change and eager to see action.

During one of the meetings, Tina met Laura, a local business owner who had seen her shop struggle in recent years.

Laura spoke passionately about the need for support for small businesses and the importance of creating a thriving community.

As she listened, Tina felt a renewed sense of purpose.

This was why she had entered politics—to fight for the people of Oregon.

Determined to make a difference, Tina assembled a task force comprised of business leaders, community advocates, and economists to develop a comprehensive plan for revitalizing the state’s economy.

They worked tirelessly, brainstorming ideas and strategies to attract businesses back to Oregon.

As the task force met, Tina felt a surge of hope.

She could see the passion and determination in the eyes of those around her.

They were all united by a common goal: to restore Oregon to its former glory.

Meanwhile, Christine continued to lead Dutch Bros in Phoenix, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt.

She had left behind a legacy that had started in Oregon, and the stories of former employees weighed heavily on her heart.

She began to explore ways to give back to the community that had nurtured the company in its early days.

In a surprising turn of events, Christine announced a partnership with local charities in Oregon, pledging to support initiatives that would provide resources to struggling communities.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions; some saw it as a genuine attempt to give back, while others viewed it as a PR move.

As Tina continued to push for reforms, she received word that Dutch Bros was considering opening a new location in Oregon.

The news sent shockwaves through the community.

Could it be possible for the company to return?

Tina felt a surge of excitement as she prepared to meet with Christine.

They arranged a meeting to discuss the potential for collaboration.

As they sat across from each other, Tina felt a mix of apprehension and hope.

This was a chance to bridge the gap between the past and the future.

During their conversation, Christine expressed her desire to support Oregon while also ensuring the growth of Dutch Bros.

Tina listened intently, recognizing the importance of finding common ground.

They discussed the challenges facing the state and explored ways to create a more business-friendly environment without sacrificing worker protections.

As the meeting concluded, Tina felt a sense of optimism.

They had laid the groundwork for a potential partnership that could benefit both the company and the community.

It was a step toward healing the wounds that had been inflicted during the tumultuous months.

In the following weeks, Tina and Christine worked together to develop a plan that would allow Dutch Bros to expand its operations in Oregon while also supporting local businesses.

They announced a series of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the state’s economy, including grants for small businesses and investments in education and workforce development.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.

People began to believe that change was possible, and the sense of despair that had once gripped the state began to lift.

Tina felt a renewed sense of purpose as she watched the community come together to support one another.

As the partnership flourished, Tina and Christine became symbols of hope and resilience.

They showed that collaboration could lead to positive change, even in the face of adversity.

In the end, Oregon emerged from the crisis stronger and more united than ever.

The lessons learned during the tumultuous months had forged a new path forward, one built on collaboration, understanding, and a commitment to supporting both businesses and the communities they served.

Governor Tina Kotek and CEO Christine Barone stood side by side at the grand opening of a new Dutch Bros location in Grants Pass, a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community.

As the sun set over the horizon, they knew that together, they had turned the tide.

The last sip of success had transformed into a new beginning, a story of redemption and hope for Oregon.

And as the coffee brewed, so too did the promise of a brighter future.