Dunkin’ Donuts Expanding Footprint in Florida, Illinois

CANTON, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its portfolio with the development of 16 new restaurants in Florida and two in Illinois. All locations will be up and running by 2014.

According to the company, the development in Florida is part of a steady and strategic growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets and establishing a foothold in new cities. The Adler Group, led by Jim Adler, Ava Lawrence and Daniel Burns, will develop four new locations in the North Central Pinellas region of Tampa. The first restaurant is slated to open this year and the remaining three will be completed by 2013.

Also in Florida, Sara and Fred Lin are developing three restaurants in Central East Orlando. The first Dunkin’ Donuts will open in 2012 and the remaining locations are slated to open by 2014. In South East Orlando, Larry Lemos plans to open one restaurant in 2012.

In addition, existing franchisees Sunil Rajan and Mark Weber will develop eight restaurants in Tallahassee. The first opened for business last month and the other seven are scheduled to open by 2014.

"The Sunshine State is a priority growth market for Dunkin’ Donuts in 2011 and we’re excited to expand our footprint in three key markets," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands. "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 our franchisees will cultivate lasting relationships and become an integral part of their respective Florida communities."

In Illinois, the company has reached a multi-unit development deal with existing franchisee Sam Patel. The first location opened last month at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The second location will open later this year on the South Side of Chicago. Both restaurants will have a Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins, according to the company.

Patel has been a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee since 2009 and owns another site in Dolton, Ill. "I have deep roots in the local community and am excited to expand Dunkin’ Donuts’ presence and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," he said. "As an existing franchisee I have a strong passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of my third restaurant in the months to come."

Dunkin’ Donuts plans to continue to expand in Tampa, Orlando and throughout Chicago.