Dunkin’ Donuts announced today that the Louisville market will be one of its key franchise development markets in 2009, with plans to develop multiple new restaurants over the next several years. The targeted growth markets are Louisville and Evansville, central Kentucky, and counties in southern Indiana.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ development in Louisville and the recent selling out of surrounding markets, including Lexington, Indianapolis, and Bowling Green, is part of a steady and strategic national growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities throughout the country. The company is actively seeking new franchisees to own and operate a minimum of five new restaurants in Louisville.

Building a network of stores enables Dunkin’ Donuts to invest in a distribution model that ensures consistent, high-quality products that customers expect when visiting a Dunkin’ Donuts location. In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers franchisees a variety of designs and venues, including free-standing stores, sites within shopping centers, and convenience stores and other retail environments.

“To fulfill our national expansion goals, Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for developers with a strong organization and the ability to manage multiple restaurants effectively and successfully in the Kentucky markets,” says Lynette McKee, CFE, vice president of Franchising, Dunkin’ Brands Inc.