Dunkin’ Donuts announced that it has signed agreements with two franchise groups to begin developing Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the United Kingdom. The two agreements call for the development of 50 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Greater London over the next five years, with an initial focus on North London and East London.

The chain is also in advanced discussions with additional franchise partners to help develop a total of 150 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.K. over the next five years, which includes the two signed agreements.

The Court Group, chaired by U.K. businessman David Sheepshanks, CBE, has signed a franchise agreement with Dunkin’ Donuts to open 25 restaurants in East London over the next five years. DDMG Ltd., a partnership formed by three experienced U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from the Baltimore/Philadelphia area and two local U.K. operators, has signed an agreement to develop 25 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in North London over the next five years.

“We feel there is significant opportunity for Dunkin’ Donuts in the U.K., and we have had a tremendous response from potential franchisees interested in developing the brand across the country,” says Giorgio Minardi, president, Dunkin’ Brands International. “We are especially excited to begin the expansion of Dunkin’ Donuts into the U.K. with The Court Group and DDMG Ltd., two experienced franchisees who have a deep passion for the brand and a solid understanding of the local market. We look forward to working with them to make Dunkin’ Donuts’ high-quality beverages, baked goods, and sandwiches part of the way of life in the U.K.”

Sheepshanks adds, “Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the world’s most iconic brands, with a long history of offering high-quality beverages and baked goods at a great value for its guests around the world. We have significant experience in the U.K. across a number of businesses, and we look forward to leveraging that experience as we develop the Dunkin’ Donuts brand in East London with the goal of becoming a destination of choice for the local communities around our stores.”

Neil Patel, director of DDMG, says, “The U.K. is a dynamic market, and we believe that Dunkin’ Donuts’ innovative combination of great-tasting food and beverages served in a fast, friendly, and fun environment will appeal to the people of Great Britain. We are excited about the opportunity to bring Dunkin’ Donuts to North London, and we look forward to serving our guests Dunkin’ Donuts’ famous coffee and snacks to get them going in the morning and throughout the day.”

Dunkin’ Donuts has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries around the world, including more than 100 locations across Europe in Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, and Spain.

Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.K. will feature the brand’s wide range of coffees, teas, espresso-based beverages, Coolatta frozen drinks, donuts, muffins, croissants, and sandwiches. The brand will also offer regional menu items specific to the U.K. to cater to local tastes and options from its DDSMART lineup.

“As we develop the Dunkin’ Donuts brand in the U.K., we continue to look for qualified, multiunit franchisee candidates who have a strong financial background, a deep knowledge of the local market, a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry, and a desire to develop a minimum of 25 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in their market over the coming years,” says Jim Johnstone, general manager, U.K., for Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ sister brand, Baskin-Robbins, has 100 locations in the U.K., including freestanding restaurants, as well as concession locations in other shops and cinemas.

The shops offer Baskin-Robbins’ famous selection of ice cream flavors, including Mint Chocolate Chip, Pralines ‘n Cream, and Jamoca Almond Fudge, as well as a wide array of frozen treats, including ice cream cakes, frozen beverages, and ice cream sundaes.

“Over the last 18 months, we have opened more than 10 new Baskin-Robbins locations with both existing and new franchisees,” Johnstone says. “We are keen to continue the expansion of the Baskin-Robbins brand across the U.K. with multiple operators.”