Dunkin’ Donuts signed agreements with two franchisees to develop seven new restaurants in Tennessee over the next several years. Dunkin’ Donuts’ development throughout Tennessee is part of a steady and strategic growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities across the country to help drive the coffee-and-bakery chain’s growth.
Existing Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, Sweet Liberty, LLC, led by Keith Deerkoski and Allen Brown, will open five restaurants in Nashville between 2012 and 2016. They currently operate five units in Western and Northern Nashville. Additionally, Jim and Athena Skellion will develop one restaurant in Cookeville and one in Crossville, the first of which will open in 2012.
During the first half of 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts opened 338 net new locations worldwide, with 75 of those in the U.S. The company also signed 72 new domestic development commitments, continuing to hold its spot as one of the fastest growing brands in the QSR industry.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is excited to expand its footprint in and around Nashville with the opening of these new restaurants,” says Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning. “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day, and we’re confident both groups will cultivate lasting relationships in their respective communities.”
To drive its expansion efforts, Dunkin’ Donuts has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets. As a result, the company continues to expand with single and multi-unit opportunities with no minimum unit requirements.
This evolution of Dunkin’ Donuts’ franchise sales effort enables the brand to expand in markets more aggressively, while balancing its market penetration and maturity.
Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Dunkin’ Donuts to invest in a distribution model that provides a consistent, high-quality product guests expect in the way and on the way of their daily routines. 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, and universities, as well as other retail environments.
Historically a doughnut-and-hot-coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts has expanded its offering to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns, and buttermilk biscuits. The new platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’ Donuts’ product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003.
