Franchise development seminar aims to draw candidates with foodservice experience.

Dunkin’ Donuts, seeking to expand its presence into San Antonio, is planning a seminar in the city on Feb. 23 to discuss franchise opportunities brewing in the market.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ development throughout San Antonio 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 leading coffee and bakery chain’s growth.  To help fuel growth in San Antonio, special development incentives are available which include reduced royalty fees for three years and an extra $10,000 in local store marketing for stores that open on time.

Dunkin’ Donuts executives will be in town to host the franchise seminar on Feb. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel San Antonio, 37 NE Loop 410, to share the benefits of owning a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant.

To register for the event visit http://franchisingevents.dunkinbrands.com/ or contact Scott Mellon at [email protected] with any questions.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for qualified candidates with foodservice, operations and real estate experience to join our team to help expand the brand’s footprint in San Antonio and the surrounding areas,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands Inc.  “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests’ everyday, and we encourage interested parties to attend our franchising seminar to learn how they can open a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in their community.”

In 2010, the company experienced strong expansion results, including the opening of 574 net new locations worldwide and 226 newly signed franchise commitments in the U.S.  For the year, Dunkin’ Donuts opened 206 net new restaurants in the U.S. and signed multi-unit development agreements in 29 markets.   Included among these new and planned outlets are non-traditional locations such as airports, arenas, travel plazas and universities.

For those interested in franchising, Dunkin’ Donuts is seeking candidates that meet a specific franchisee profile to help build its brand and business.  Ideally, franchisees should possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000.  Financial qualifications will vary by market and quick service restaurant experience is highly preferred.

In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers franchisees flexible design concepts including free-standing stores, end caps, in-line sites, kiosks and gas stations, as well as other retail environments. Dunkin’ Donuts has aligned its development strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of each individual market.  As a result, franchising opportunities range from single units to multi-store development agreements.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to energize Americans and keep the honest, hard-working, value-driven people of this country running every day,” Benson said.  “Our recent and ongoing menu enhancements meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumers, moving Dunkin’ Donuts beyond breakfast with high-quality food and beverage items available all day.”

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, Wake-up Wrap, 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.