Dunkin' Donuts is extending its stay in the lodging market with the opening of two new locations at Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Michigan and Virginia. These are the second and third restaurants to open from a franchising agreement between Dunkin' Donuts and Great Wolf Resorts, which debuted its first Dunkin' Donuts location in 2009 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina, one of North America's largest indoor waterpark resorts. As Dunkin' Donuts continues its growth in the lodging market and other non-traditional locations, the company strives to keep summertime travelers running on Dunkin' whether they are on the road, in the airport, or enjoying a family resort vacation.
"Our partnerships with Great Wolf Lodge and other lodging properties are a continued focus for our growth in alternative points of distribution," says Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands. "With flexible design options and state-of-the-art operating systems in place, we offer a turnkey solution for our partners to offer their guests the comforts of home through their favorite coffee and snacks."
The newest Dunkin' Donuts locations at Great Wolf Lodge resorts opened May 18 in Williamsburg, Virginia, and June 1 in Traverse City, Michigan. Great Wolf Resorts owns and operates these locations, which serve Dunkin' Donuts' menu of foods and beverages throughout the day. These items include a range of hot and iced coffee and espresso beverages; a variety of donuts, muffins, and croissants; and oven toasted breakfast sandwiches.
Dunkin' Donuts offers a variety of store models to suit any lodging property, including full retail shops, kiosks, and self-serve hot coffee stations perfect for gift shops and general stores. Models can be designed to suit specific areas such as snack bars and convention registration areas. Dunkin' Donuts' bakery products can be prepared in the property's own kitchen, with the addition of some simple equipment, giving the food and beverage team flexibility to manage product inventory in accordance with guest traffic.
"Great Wolf Lodge is the indoor waterpark resort brand leader, and we are constantly seeking the right partners that will help us continue to enhance our guest experience,” says Chris Hammond, corporate director of food and beverage, Great Wolf Lodge. "Dunkin' Donuts was the clear choice for us when we decided to bring a branded quick-service concept to our guests."
Dunkin' Donuts currently has over 500 non-traditional locations, including mass transit stations, travel centers, supermarkets, college campuses, and military bases.