Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with Gilligan Oil Company LLC for the development of five restaurants in Cincinnati, Ohio, within the next three years.
The first location is anticipated to open in 2010 and the remainder by 2012. Dunkin’ Donuts’ development in Cincinnati 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.
Gilligan Oil Company LLC, founded in 1993 by Pat Gilligan, operates TCBY, Subway and Popeyes franchises, Gills Car Washes and is the regional franchise developer for the Exxon/Mobile “On the Run” convenience store franchise. In addition, Gilligan Oil is Southwest Ohio’s largest distributor of Shell-branded gasoline and also operates Sunoco and Exxon gas stations.
“We are proud to expand our franchise portfolio to include Dunkin’ Donuts and look forward to playing an important role in the daily lives of people who live and work in the Cincinnati community,” said Pat Gilligan, president and CEO, Gilligan Oil Company, LLC.
To complement the Cincinnati development agreement mentioned, Dunkin’ Donuts’ seeks new and existing franchisees to develop restaurants in Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and Columbus. In order 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, franchising opportunities range from large store development agreements to a minimum of one or two units. This evolution of Dunkin’ Donuts’ franchise development effort enables the brand to expand in markets more aggressively, while balancing its market penetration and maturity.
Franchising opportunities are also available in a variety of cities in the U.S. within the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast. Opportunities exist throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan, among other states.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is excited to expand its footprint in Cincinnati with Gilligan Oil Company,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchise sales, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees that provide a high-level of customer service to our customers everyday, and we’re confident Pat and his team will grow and prosper in Cincinnati.”
He adds, “Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to energize Americans and keep the honest, hard-working, value-driven people of this country running every day. 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, 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.
