November 21, 2009
QSRmagazine.com : restaurant articles : industry news
Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts Kicks Off the Holidays
[2009-11-18] Number of specialty products, menu items to be available starting November 25.
New Sandwiches Released at Dunkin'
[2009-11-03] Select Northeast markets roll out chicken and tuna sandwiches.
Starbucks, Former Exec Agree to Settlement
[2009-10-26] Coffee company had filed a lawsuit against Paul Twohig, who had left Starbucks for Dunkin' Donuts.
Fall Arrives at Dunkin' Donuts
[2009-10-07] Several new fall-themed menu items to be featured in participating stores through November 26.
Dunkin' Donuts Pres to Step Down
[2009-10-02] William Kussell will leave by year's end and Nigel Travis will assume his role.
Chicago Wants Olympics, Gets Free Coffee
[2009-10-01] No matter where the 2016 Olympic games are hosted, Dunkin' is giving away free coffee on Monday.
Dunkin' Donuts Opens New Store in Mississippi Casino
[2009-09-29] Marks the sixth gaming unit in the company's portfolio.
Dunkin' Donuts Expanding in Cincinnati
[2009-09-24] Announces agreement for five new units in the Ohio city.
Dunkin' Donuts Hitting the Gridiron
[2009-09-22] Partnership with the Dallas Cowboys bringing Dunkin' Donuts beverages into brand new Cowboys Stadium.
Development Deal Inked for Dunkin' Donuts in Tennessee
[2009-09-17] Multi-unit store development agreement with Ganesh Donuts LLC in Clarksville announced.
Animal Protection Group Calls Out Dunkin' Donuts on Eggs
[2009-09-15] Footage released by Compassion Over Killing shows poor conditions for hens at Dunkin' Donuts egg supplier.
Dunkin' Menu Influenced by Southern Expansion
[2009-09-03] The Massachusetts-based brand, Dunkin' Donuts, is rolling out buttermilk biscuits as part of its Oven-Toasted lineup.
Dunkin' Donuts Adds Fan-Submitted Donut Flavor
[2009-08-26] "Toffee for Your Coffee," winner of "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" contest, added to menu.
Dunkin' Brands Adds to Corporate Team
[2009-08-24] Names new senior vice presidents of human resources and corporate communications.
Dunkin' Donuts Adds Two Coolatta Flavors
[2009-08-20] Grape and Watermelon are the new flavors for the frozen slush drink.
Dunkin' Donuts Raises More than $700,000 from Golf Tournament
[2009-08-13] Annual golf tournament raises $715,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund.
Dunkin' Donuts Rolls Out Chicken Parm Sandwich
[2009-07-23] Sandwich is the latest addition to the Oven-Toasted all-day menu.
Frozen Beverage Introduced at Dunkin' Donuts.
[2009-07-16] New Frozen Cappuccino available nationwide.
Dunkin' Donuts Adds Nontraditional Florida Sites
[2009-07-15] New locations include travel plazas, airports, and college campuses.
O.N.E. Introduces a Healthier and More Environmental Water Bottle
[2009-07-13] The company's new water bottles will be more environmentally sustainable and better for society.
Dunkin' Donuts Starts New England Loyalty Program
[2009-07-10] Boston-area locations set to participate in DD Perks program.
Dunkin' Donuts Franchises Continue Scholarship Program
[2009-06-29] Group of New England franchises has awarded $1.4 million in college scholarships in the last 14 years.
Online Tool from Dunkin' Donuts to Aid Donut 'Runner'
[2009-06-22] A new social media application from Dunkin' Donuts will help the carry-out process for larger groups.
Dunkin' Debuts 99 Cent Breakfast Wrap
[2009-06-08] The value-based breakfast competition heats up.
Dunkin' Leaves Menu Innovation to Consumers
[2009-06-05] Dunkin' Donuts has chosen the winner of its "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" contest.
Dunkin' Debuts Coolatta at Bargain Price
[2009-06-03] The customer favorite Vanilla Bean Coolatta is back.
Dunkin' Brands Vet to Lead Taco Del Mar
[2009-05-22] Larry Destro has been named Taco Del Mar's president and CEO.
New York Dunkin' Stores Roll Back Prices
[2009-05-04] Dunkin' Donuts wants to relieve consumer pressure by dropping prices 15 percent.
Dunkin' Donuts Introduces the Cinnamon Twist
[2009-04-28] The portable pastry is Dunkin' Donuts' latest addition to its breakfast menu.
Dunkin' Donuts Dubs Today Iced Coffee Day
[2009-04-21] Purchase an iced coffee beverage for 50 cents, and Dunkin' Donuts will donate five cents to Homes for Our Troops.
Hotel Stores Give Donut Lovers Another Way to Wake Up to Dunkin'
[2009-04-14] A Dunkin' Donuts in the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina, is the brand's first hotel location.
Dunkin' Donuts Sets Its Sights on Louisville
[2009-04-14] The chain is looking for franchisees for at least five Louisville locations.
Dunkin' Donuts Inks Chattanooga Expansion Plans
[2009-04-07] Bluemont Group LLC will open one unit in early 2010 and three more in the next several years.
Iced Coffee Day to Raise Money for Injured Vets
[2009-04-02] Dunkin' Donuts is reducing prices for customers and donating proceeds to the nonprofit, Homes for Our Troops, on April 21.
Watch Out Birmingham: Ala. Now Runs on Dunkin'
[2009-03-11] Dunkin' Donuts is roaring into Birmingham, Alabama, with 21 new stores planned for the market.
Dunkin' Donuts Continues Run Down East Coast
[2009-03-04] Chi Yung Wang will open five new restaurants in South Carolina with one location planned to open this year.
For Better or Worse: The Recession Fuels Menu Innovation
[2009-02-04] Dunkin' Donuts is putting an unusual twist on a traditional breakfast staple.
Cardinals Don't Win, Get a Doughnut Instead
[2009-02-02] Dunkin' Donuts tries to soften the blow of Super Bowl XLIII with free give away in Phoenix.
Dunkin' Donuts to Open More Than 20 Minneapolis Restaurants
[2009-01-29] Through the VetFran program, franchisee Peter Turner will help Dunkin' Donuts enter the Twin Cities market.
Doughnut Chains Catch Obama Fever
[2009-01-14] Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts will battle for doughnut lovers on January 20.
Dunkin' Spends $100 Million on New Ad Campaign
[2009-01-05] The integrated 'You Kin Do It' campaign is expected to run through 2009 and will include online marketing.
Dunkin' Steals Papa John's CEO
[2008-12-10] Nigel Travis is in, but what does that mean for Jon Luther?
[2008-12-09] Smucker is slashing prices of Dunkin' Donuts retail coffee.
Dunkin' Donut Opens Mainland China
[2008-11-21] The company has secured agreements to open a total of 150 shops.
Dunkin' Donuts Adds Free Money to Gift Cards
[2008-11-19] When consumers buy the chain's rechargeable gift cards, they can earn $2.
Holiday LTOs Show No Sign of Stopping
[2008-11-12] Dunkin' Donuts is the latest quick-serve to launch a holiday menu.
What Does Dunkin' Do with Its Grease?
[2008-11-03] Dunkin' Donuts franchisees will use Freedom Environmental Services to collect and dispose of grease.
Dunkin' Donuts Expansion Rolls On
[2008-10-30] The chain plans to open about 30 new stores in West Virginia over the next few years.
Dunkin' Donuts Opens South Bend, IN
[2008-10-21] There are plans to open more than 25 new restaurants over the next several years.
Dunkin' Opens First Green Store
[2008-10-17] The St. Petersburg, Florida, restaurant is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and includes other green initiatives.
Dunkin' Donunts Debuts 99 Cent Lattes
[2008-10-02] The offer is good on any weekday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. through November 11.
Dunkin' Donuts Hires VP, Consumer Engagement
[2008-09-16] Cynthia Ashworth will be responsible for all Dunkin' Donuts' consumer messaging, including advertising, media, interactive marketing, and in-store retail.
Dunkin' Donuts Opens Madison, WI
[2008-09-10] The company is searching for experienced franchisees to open at least five stores each in Madison and the surrounding areas.
Dunkin' Donuts Moves to Krispy Kreme Hometown
[2008-08-27] As many as 15 stores are planned for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, home to Krispy Kreme's headquarters.
Dunkin' Donuts Focuses on Rural Markets
[2008-08-19] Dunkin' Donuts is seeking qualified franchisees to develop select rural markets.
Dunkin' Donuts Raises $800,000 for Cancer Research
[2008-08-13] New England franchisees have donated over $7 Million for the Jimmy Fund.
Dunkin' Donuts Expands in Houston
[2008-08-07] Kainos Partners and Southern Donuts become Houston's newest Dunkin' Donuts franchisees, and 107 new restaurants are planned.
America's Worst Restaurants For Kids Revealed
[2008-08-04] Eat This, Not That! authors grade 43 national chains; 6 receive an "F."
Dunkin' Donuts Debuts DDSMART Menu
[2008-08-01] The new menu will feature egg white sandwiches and healthier fare and will be a permanent menu addition.
Dunkin' Donuts Announces Franchisee in Mississippi
[2008-07-28] Capital Franchise Group to open 34 new restaurants over the next several years.
Dunkin' Brands Honors Chain Leaders
[2008-07-18] Jon Luther recognized outstanding franchisees, partners, and suppliers at the company's third annual Franchisee & Enterprise Awards dinner.
Dunkin' Brands Volunteer to Fight Hunger
[2008-07-14] Efforts to benefit local members of America's Second Harvest and the agencies they serve.
Dunkin' Donuts Names Contest Finalists
[2008-07-01] Dunkin' Donuts customers to vote online for winning gift card artwork.
Dunkin' Donuts Expands Oven-Toasted Menu
[2008-06-30] Dunkin' Donuts adds new Southwest Chicken Flatbread Sandwich.
Dunkin' Donuts Launches New Promotion
[2008-06-26] Chance to win prizes with purchase of any Dunkin' Donuts cold beverage.
Dunkin' Donuts Expands Franchise Locations in Ohio
[2008-06-03] Dunkin' Donuts opens Dayton, Ohio, for franchise sales.
Dunkin' Donuts Increases Franchise Locations
[2008-06-03] Dunkin' Donuts opens the Chattanooga market for franchise sales.
Dunkin' Breaks Ground on First LEED Store
[2008-05-22] The St. Petersburg, Fla., store is set to open in September.
Dunkin' Brands Pledges $1 Million to CIA
[2008-05-14] The gift will support baking and pastry kitchens at both the CIA's new campus in San Antonio, Texas, and main campus in Hyde Park, New York.
Dunkin' Community Foundation Hosts Golf Tourney
[2008-05-12] All proceeds raised at the first annual event will benefit the Second Harvest Food Banks in Northeast Ohio.
Dunkin' To Celebrate Free Iced Coffee Day
[2008-05-08] Customers can walk into any participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurant throughout the country and receive a free 16 oz. cup of Dunkin' Donuts' premium regular, Berry Berry Iced Coffee.
Dunkin' Donuts Announces Phoenix Franchisees
[2008-04-24] Three franchisee groups plan to open 150 new restaurants in the city, selling out Phoenix.
Dunkin' Donuts to Launch Limited-Edition Gift Card
[2008-04-23] For each card sold in May and June, Dunkin' Donuts will donate $1 to the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation, which supports heroes who serve their communities every day.
Dunkin' Donuts To Give a Free Donut on Tax Day
[2008-04-11] Dunkin' Donuts will give a free donut to those who buy a cup of coffee on April 15th.
Dunkin' Brands Names Director, Government Affairs
[2008-03-20] On March 31, Cicely D. Simpson will join the company in the newly created position of director of federal and state government affairs.
[2008-03-13] The company has plans to open more than 50 new restaurants over the next several years in the area.
Dunkin' Donuts Offers 99-Cent Lattes
[2008-02-22] This special offer next week follows the announcement that, for the second year in a row, the company ranked No. 1 in customer loyalty in the coffee category on the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index.
Dunkin' Donuts Debuts Oven-Toasted Menu
[2008-02-13] Personal pizzas, flatbread sandwiches, and hash browns bring the company into two new dayparts.
[2008-02-05] Annual pound of coffee promotion yields high results for Special Olympics.
Dunkin' Donuts Heads to Mainland China
[2008-01-25] 100 new shops expected to open in the municipality of Shanghai, and provinces of Jiangsu, Zhijiang in the People's Republic of China over the next 10 years.
Dunkin' Donuts Creates YouTube Channel
[2008-01-23] Through March 1, people are invited to create videos for the site, answering the question "How Do You Keep America Running?"
Dunkin' Brands Names New Senior Director of Community Relations & Multicultural Initiatives
[2008-01-18] Cirabel Lardizabal Olson will take on the newly created role and report directly to Dunkin' Brands Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer Stephen J. Caldeira.
Dunkin' Names Global Brand Leaders
[2008-01-16] The new structure will enable accelerated global expansion of the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands.
Dunkin' Donuts Partners with Mars
[2008-01-14] The company is partnering with the candy giant to introduce new menu items for 2008.
Dunkin' Partnerships Fuel National Growth
[2007-12-11] The company partnered with Hess Corporation and Sara Lee Corporation, making its coffee available in more locations across the U.S.
Dunkin's Community Foundation Gives $700,000
[2007-12-03] The foundation will donate the money to America's Second Harvest, the Leary Firefighters Foundation, and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
Dunkin' Donuts Adds Fall Menu Items
[2007-09-26] The company will add two pumpkin food items and two new seasonal drinks for a limited time.
Dunkin' Brands Names new EVP of Global Communications
[2007-09-04] Stephen J. Caldeira has been named Dunkin' Brands new executive vice president of global communications and chief public affairs officer.
Zero Trans Fat Menu Soon Available Nationwide at Dunkin' Donuts
[2007-08-27] By October 15, Dunkin' Donut offerings nationwide will be trans fat free. Baskin-Robbins will follow suit by January 1, 2008.
Dunkin' Brands Establishes Nutrition Advisory Board
[2007-08-16] Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's, announced the formation of a Nutrition Advisory Board.
Grocers to Sell Dunkin' Donuts Coffee
[2007-08-13] Starting this month, packaged Dunkin' Donuts coffee will be sold by Wal-Mart, Kroger and CVS in a bid to get customers to brew the brand at home.
Dunkin' Brands Launches New Community Service Effort
[2007-07-11] Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation is honoring community leaders with a year's worth of Baskin-Robbins or Dunkin' Donuts products.
Dunkin' Donuts To Sell Iced Tea
[2007-07-02] Three flavors of freshly brewed iced tea are now available at Dunkin' Donuts throughout New England and upstate New York for $1.69–$2.09.
Dunkin' Unveils Interactive Web Site
[2007-06-22] Dunkin' teams with MapQuest to help customers plan their summer trips.
Dunkin' Donuts Opens in Hersheypark
[2007-06-20] The new Hersheypark store is Dunkin' Donuts's first theme-park location.
Dunkin' Gets New Brand Marketing Officer
[2007-06-07] Dunkin' Donuts appoints new Brand Marketing Officer and continues national expansion.
Dunkin' Donuts Rolls Out SoBe Energy Coolattas
[2007-06-05] Dunkin's new cherry citrus-flavored SoBe Energy Coolatta is designed to provide refreshment and refuel the active, on-the-go consumer.
Dunkin's Luther Recognized for Excellence
[2007-05-25] The Gold & Silver Plate Awards recognize the restaurant industry's most outstanding and accomplished foodservice operators.
Dunkin' Donuts Pairs with Rachael Ray
[2007-03-08] Ray will join the company's marketing campaign and help create new health-conscious menu items.
McDonald's Edges Out Competition in Coffee Taste Test
[2007-03-06] A Consumer Reports taste test among coffee rivals says McDonald's brew beats Starbucks.
Dunkin' Donuts Welcomes Spring
[2007-03-01] Dunkin' Donuts announces free iced coffee all day March 21.
Dunkin' Donuts to Expand Into Asian Market
[2007-01-17] Taiwan is said to be the 'first step' in Dunkin' Brands's plan to expand Dunkin' Donuts' presence in Asia.
Dunkin' Donuts Rolls out French Toast Twist
[2006-10-10] Dunkin's warm French Toast Twist will be available through mid-December.
Dunkin' Donuts Introduces New Line of Cookies
[2006-08-29] Dunkin' Donuts in the stores in the Northeast now offer three 4.5-ounce cookie varieties--Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisan, and Peanut Butter Cup.
Dunkin' Brands Appoints New Brand Officers
[2006-06-09] Robert Rodriguez will serve as the new Dunkin' Donuts Brand Officer and Lisa McLean as Togo's.
Dunkin' Donuts Expands Smoothie Line in New York and Philadelphia
[2006-06-06] Dunkin's Donuts is calling the three-flavor, yogurt-based line its "biggest product initiative in years."
Dunkin' Donuts to Promote Smoothie Line
[2006-04-21] Java giant Dunkin' Donuts is looking to juice up sales with a new smoothie line, The Boston Globe reports today.
Dunkin' Donuts Launches New Advertising Campaign
[2006-04-10] Dunkin' Donuts today unveiled a new, multi-million dollar advertising campaign focusing on how Dunkin' Donuts keeps busy Americans fueled and on the go.
Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Now Available at Fenway Park
[2006-04-07] Dunkin' Donuts and the Boston Red Sox today announced Dunkin' Donuts' famous hot and iced coffees will be available within the ballpark for the first time with the opening of two new "Dunkin' at Fenway(R)" stands.
Dunkin' Donuts Introduces New Breakfast Sandwich
[2006-01-30] Dunkin' Donuts today introduced the newest addition to its line of fast, fresh and affordable breakfast sandwiches -- the Supreme Omelet.
Dunkin' Donuts Actor Vale Dies
[2005-12-28] Michael Vale, the actor best known for portraying sleepy-eyed Fred the Baker in Dunkin' Donuts commercials, has died at age 83.
Dunkin' Donuts Offers Latte for Calorie-Conscious Consumers
[2005-12-22] Dunkin' Donuts announced today the latest addition to its espresso lineup with the introduction of Latte Lite.
Private-Equity Firms Near Dunkin' Brands Buy
[2005-12-13] A group of three private-equity firms is close to a deal to buy doughnut and coffee chain operator Dunkin' Brands for about $2 billion, the New York Times reported Monday.
Two Groups Expected to Bid for Dunkin' Donuts
[2005-12-08] Two groups of private-equity firms plan to submit bids Thursday to buy Dunkin' Donuts, the nation's biggest coffee-and-doughnut chain, from the French company that acquired it as part of a bigger deal last summer, two people familiar with the groups' plans told a reporter with the Associated Press.
Dunkin' Donuts Introduces New Holiday Latte Flavors
[2005-11-18] Dunkin' Donuts is spreading holiday cheer to millions of Americans with the introduction of two new Holiday Latte flavors: decadent Caramel Creme and nutty Mocha Almond. These soon-to-be holiday classics are now available in Dunkin' Donuts stores.
[2005-10-26] Dunkin' Brands, home of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's, has hired one of Boston's top chefs and culinary experts to help create new and innovative menu choices for customers throughout New England and the country.
Blackstone, Carlyle Make Bids for Dunkin' Donuts
[2005-10-21] Blackstone Group LP and Carlyle Group made competing buyout offers this week for Dunkin' Donuts and two other restaurant units being sold by Pernod Ricard SA, Bloomberg reported today.
Dunkin' Donuts Debuts Turbo Ice Drink
[2005-07-26] Dunkin' Donuts is taking its iced coffee line-up to the extreme with the introduction of new Turbo Ice, Dunkin' Donuts' drink blended with a shot of authentic espresso.
Dunkin' Donuts and Tropicana Team Up
[2005-07-13] Dunkin' Donuts and Tropican to launch iced slushy beverage.
Dunkin' Brands Agrees To End Use of "U Pick 2" Promotion
[2005-07-07] Panera Bread Company, the national leading bakery-cafe concept, today announced that Dunkin' Brands, Inc., developer of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and Togo's quick-service restaurants, has agreed to immediately cease use of its "U Pick 2."
Grotech Capital Group to bid on Dunkin' Brands
[2005-06-21] Grotech Capital Group, the venture capital firm that led the acquisition of Captain D's from Dallas-based Lone Star Funds on Jan. 5, reportedly is in talks to buy the 7,603-unit Dunkin' Brands chain pending success of the French distillery giant Pernod Ricard's bid to take over Dunkin's London-based parent Allied Domecq.
Dunkin' Brands Parent Company to be Sold for $14.2 billion
[2005-04-21] Allied Domecq PLC has agreed to a buyout by French rival Pernod Ricard SA.
Dunkin' Donuts Breaks the Grind of Tax Season
[2005-04-04] Donut shop gives last minute tax filers and weary accountants a much-needed pick-me-up.
ADQSR Now Known as Dunkin' Brands
[2004-12-13] Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's, formerly branded together as Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants (ADQSR), will now be known as Dunkin' Brands, Inc.
Dunkin' To Build New Distribution Facility
[2004-07-19] Officials from the Dunkin' Donuts Northeast Distribution Center and the town of Bellingham, Washington, will break ground for a new corporate office and distribution center on July 21.
Dunkin' to Provide Test Help for Students
[2004-05-10] Dunkin' Donuts is making available an online preparation course to all Massachusetts high school students to help improve exit test scores.
Dunkin' Donuts Breaks the Grind of Tax Season
[2004-04-04] Donut shop gives last minute tax filers and weary accountants a much-needed pick-me-up.
