Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with three franchise groups to develop 13 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and four multi-brand units with Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, throughout Atlanta over the next several years.
The three franchise groups and their development plans include:
· Existing franchisee Bluemont Group LLC plans to develop 11 new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the greater Atlanta area within Calhoun, Cartersville, Marietta, Rockmart, and Smyrna. Led by Dave Baumgartner, this group operates 22 restaurants throughout Tennessee in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville. The team’s first Atlanta location is planned to open before year-end.
· Existing franchisees, Sandip Patel and his partner Ronak Patel, plan to develop one Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant and three multi-brand units with sister brand Baskin-Robbins in Atlanta. Patel and his group own three Dunkin’ Donuts and six Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins multi-brand units located in the Atlantic Metro and Columbus areas. Their first restaurant under this agreement is planned to open in 2017.
· Existing franchise group, West Georgia Café Inc. plans to develop one Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant and one multi-brand unit with Baskin-Robbins in Atlanta. Led by Chin Hsieh, Hwei Hsieh, and Hui Yin Shih, this team operates one Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in the Atlanta market. Their next restaurant is planned to open in 2017.
“Our enthusiastic and dedicated franchisees contribute to both of our brands’ growth, which has helped solidify our position as one of the fastest growing companies by unit count in the quick-service restaurant industry,” says Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands. “We are thrilled that these existing franchisees have chosen to expand Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins’ presence in Georgia. We know these new restaurants will satisfy a growing consumer demand in the local communities they serve."
In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas, and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments. Additionally, multi-brand restaurants that combine Dunkin’ Donuts with Baskin-Robbins under one roof offer even more opportunity to drive traffic during various day parts, from early morning breakfast and coffee all the way to after-dinner ice cream treats.
Franchise opportunities are still available to develop Baskin-Robbins standalone shops throughout Atlanta, and to fuel development, the brand is offering compelling financial incentives that include 50 percent off the initial franchise fee and reduced royalty rates for five years.
