Dunkin' Donuts Grows in Arkansas, Iowa

CANTON, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts is expanding in both Arkansas and Iowa by opening a total of 23 new locations, the company announced. The chain will open 11 new Arkansas sites including two franchises, as well as 12 new sites in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, through an agreement with Eastern Iowa Food Service Inc.

"Little Rock is a priority growth market for Dunkin' Donuts in 2011, and we're excited to expand our footprint in Arkansas," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, for Dunkin' Brands Inc. "Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high level of customer service to our guests every day. We're confident these franchisees will cultivate lasting customer relationships in the Little Rock and Fort Smith area and become an integral part of their respective communities."

Littlefield Oil Co. will build seven of the Dunkin' Donuts stores in Fort Smith and northwest Arkansas, with the first scheduled to open in 2012 and the other six to follow by 2018. In addition, Eric McDuffie and Sam Carter plan to open four stores in Hot Springs and Benton, Ark., with the first scheduled to open next year and the other three scheduled to open by 2015.

Dunkin' Donuts also signed a multi-unit store development with Eastern Iowa Food Service Inc., which will open the 12 locations in Cedar Rapids. The first store is scheduled to open in 2012, with the remainder to come by 2018.

"We are excited to bring Dunkin' Donuts back to Cedar Rapids and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," said Clifford Reif, president and CEO of Reif Oil Co., Eastern Iowa Food Service's parent company. "We have a passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of our restaurants in the years to come."