SOUTH CAROLINA - For thousands of South Carolina commuters, the morning routine is about to look—and taste—drastically different. Clutch Coffee Bar, the homegrown favorite known for its rapid drive-thru service and "Carolina-first" attitude, is officially shuttering its remaining 17 locations across the Carolinas. By late March, the red-and-black branding that became a staple in hubs like Columbia and Rock Hill will be gone forever. But this isn't a story of business failure—it's the result of a massive industry buyout that is changing the face of the Southern caffeine scene.
SOUTH CAROLINA - For thousands of South Carolina commuters, the morning routine is about to look—and taste—drastically different. Clutch Coffee Bar, the homegrown favorite known for its rapid drive-thru service and "Carolina-first" attitude, is officially shuttering its remaining 17 locations across the Carolinas. By late March, the red-and-black branding that became a staple in hubs like Columbia and Rock Hill will be gone forever. But this isn't a story of business failure—it's the result of a massive industry buyout that is changing the face of the Southern caffeine scene.17 Locations Gone: Iconic Carolinas Coffee Chain Shuttering All Remaining Stores This March
The End of an Era for "Clutch" Loyalists
Since its founding, Clutch Coffee Bar carved out a niche as the "scrappy local" alternative to global giants. In early 2026, it was confirmed that the Oregon-based behemoth Dutch Bros Coffee officially acquired the chain.
While the sale was announced earlier this year, the "shuttering" phase is hitting its peak this month. Every remaining Clutch location is scheduled to go dark for renovations by March, marking the final end for the brand’s signature menu and community-focused identity.
The "Dutch Bros" Takeover: What Changes in March?
If you pull up to your local Clutch in late March, expect to see construction crews rather than baristas. The buyout means a total physical and operational overhaul:
- The Rebrand: The "Clutch" name is being retired. Every location will reopen later this year as a Dutch Bros, sporting the iconic blue-and-yellow windmill.
- The Menu Shift: Say goodbye to Clutch-specific energy blends. The new stores will pivot to Dutch Bros’ "Rebel" energy drinks and their proprietary espresso blends.
- The Culture: While many staff members are being offered positions at the new Dutch Bros locations, the "neighborhood" feel of a regional Carolinas chain is being replaced by a corporate culture that is rapidly expanding across the East Coast.
Why March is the Critical Month
March serves as the "hard deadline" for the transition. Real estate analysts in South Carolina note that this is one of the largest single-month brand disappearances in the state's recent retail history.
- Columbia & Rock Hill: These metro areas will feel the impact most, as multiple high-traffic corners will sit "dormant" during the 8–10 week renovation period.
- The "Buyout Boom": Experts suggest this is part of a larger 2026 trend where West Coast giants are "cannibalizing" successful regional brands in South Carolina to bypass the slow process of building new stores from scratch.
Other Retailers Shifting in SC This Month
While Clutch is the only brand closing all its locations, several other iconic names are trimming their South Carolina footprint this March:
- Big Lots: Continuing its bankruptcy restructuring, several older "legacy" stores in rural SC counties are liquidating their final inventory this month.
- Walgreens: As part of a 1,200-store national pullback, at least two more South Carolina pharmacies are scheduled to lock their doors permanently by the end of March.
The Verdict: A New Look for the Palmetto State
The loss of Clutch Coffee Bar is a bittersweet moment for South Carolina. While the arrival of Dutch Bros brings a certain "national cool" factor and more robust app rewards, the "shuttering" of a local success story serves as a reminder of how quickly the retail landscape can change.
If you have a Clutch gift card or loyalty points, use them before the final "closing" signs go up this month—once the windmill goes up, those Carolina-born perks are history.
