Dunkin’ Brands Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced it signed agreements with Chicago Cafe Inc. to develop four Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and two Baskin-Robbins restaurants in the River North Area of Chicago over the next several years.

Led by existing franchisee Nitin Patel and former franchisee and former Dunkin’ Brands employee Luke Halloran, two Dunkin’ Donuts are expected to open next year in Chicago’s River North areas and the remaining units will open by 2014. The first Baskin-Robbins shop will open before 2013 and the second by 2014.

“We have deep roots in the local community and are excited to expand Dunkin’ Brands’ presence in Chicago and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work, and visit here,” says Patel, president of Chicago Cafe Inc. “We have a strong passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants in the years to come.”

In addition to the development agreement mentioned above, Dunkin’ Donuts is still seeking franchisees to develop restaurants in Chicago, specifically in Cook, Kane, and DuPage Counties. Opportunities also exist throughout Milwaukee, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Detroit.

“Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are excited about growing with Nitin Patel and Luke Halloran in the Chicago market,” says Grant Benson, vice president of franchising and market planning for Dunkin’ Brands Inc. “We are still looking to expand our presence here and are looking for qualified franchisees with foodservice, operations, and real estate experience plus a passion for customer service to join our team to help expand both brands’ footprint in Chicago and the surrounding areas.”