By Sara Beth Williams–
The construction of a new drive-thru coffee shop in Citrus Heights is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Dutch Bros Coffee’s application proposing the construction of a drive-thru-format coffee shop on the corner of Grand Oaks Boulevard and Auburn Boulevard, has been approved, according to city records.
The site was previously home to Rally’s Burger, which closed abruptly in January after just over three years in operation.
The scope of the project consists of reusing the existing outside patio and exterior landscaping and making minor improvements on the interior. The landscaping was revamped prior to the construction of the former Rally’s Burger.
New design renderings submitted to the city by Dutch Bros show the building repainted with company brand colors. A planning document indicates that new wayfinding and directional elements are also planned for the existing parking lot.
Site plans for the coffee shop show two drive-thru lanes wrapping around the building, along with an escape lane. The building has69 an 827-square-foot footprint. According to the applicant, the double drive-thru can comfortably hold 22 vehicles in its stacked queue without impacting existing traffic.
Rally’s, which also served food and drinks in a drive-thru format, closed in the beginning of January without warning. At the time, the lot was listed for sale on commercial real estate site LoopNet for $1.6 million after initially being listed for sale in early 2024 with an asking price of $2 million, according to the real estate agent at the time.
The parcel, located on the corner of the parking lot housing Fireside Lanes, was vacant for many years, and often housed a Christmas tree lot in years gone by. Once an eyesore, the lot received significant improvements in curb appeal when Rally’s opened in October 2021.
Currently Citrus Heights has two Dutch Bros coffee drive thru’s, one on Lichen Drive, and one on Madison Avenue.
