America runs on Dunkin’, but Dunkin’ Donuts runs on a network of dedicated franchisees that has helped make it the world’s largest coffee and bakery quick-service restaurant in the U.S.
As America’s largest retailer of coffee by the cup, Dunkin’ Donuts serves nearly one billion cups each year, representing a 16-percent share of the market. And that share could soon grow. The company is currently in the midst of an ambitious national expansion in the U.S. To achieve that goal, Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for franchisees to help build its brand and business.
Innovation is essential in today’s changing marketplace, and Dunkin’ Donuts is helping to redefine the restaurant industry. By creating a new category, called “quick quality,” the company is changing consumer perceptions about what is possible in a quick-service meal. Award-winning Dunkin’ Donuts chefs recently rolled out a new menu that takes its offerings beyond breakfast into all dayparts with high-quality food and beverages.
As a result, the praise is pouring in. Entrepreneur magazine ranked Dunkin’ Donuts at No. 3 in its 2008 “Franchise 500” list, and AOL.com readers recently gave the company nods for “Best Overall” and “Best Fast-Food.” For sales, Dunkin’ Donuts placed 9th in the 2007 rankings of the top chains in quick-service by QSR magazine, and Franchise Times put it at No. 19 in its listing of the “Top 200 Franchise Systems” for worldwide sales.
Right now, there are 5,400 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in 34 states, but in the next decade, the company will significantly expand its number of locations. Fueling that growth is a shift in strategy that opens the door for franchise partners to enter into attractive store development agreements.
Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for strong candidates willing to commit to a five-restaurant minimum, but larger developers can sign on for 20 or more locations over a pre-determined period of time in specific markets. Target areas currently include Columbus, Ohio; Tallahassee, Florida; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and Washington, D.C.
Dunkin’ Donuts is helping to redefine the restaurant industry.
Franchisees can choose from a variety of designs and venues, including freestanding stores, shopping center sites, convenience store locations, and other retail environments. They can also take advantage of a network of stores and a distribution model that ensures delivery of the consistent, high-quality products customers have come to expect from Dunkin’ Donuts.
To qualify, ideal franchisees should have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million, with liquid assets of at least $750,000. Restaurant or other foodservice operations experience is another quality the company looks for in potential partners or their management teams. These specific criteria help ensure the success of both franchisees and the brand. The company is also dedicated to diversifying its franchisee base by actively participating in the International Franchise Association’s Minority and VetFran programs.
For more information about franchising opportunities with Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.dunkinfranchising.com or call 877-9-DUNKIN.