Dunkin’ Donuts, the popular coffee and bakery chain that has been expanding its presence across the United States for many years, is undergoing a major transformation. The company recently made a surprise announcement that it will close 450 Dunkin’ Donuts stores on the East Coast. The decision left many loyal customers wondering about the future of their favorite morning coffee.
Dunkin’ Donuts, often referred to simply as Dunkin’, has become an integral part of American culture. Like Starbucks, it offered people a convenient and affordable place to get their caffeine fix. In regions like New England, it’s not uncommon to find Dunkin’ Donuts locations on every corner, sometimes even just steps away from each other.
The East Coast, in particular, has been oversaturated with Dunkin’ Donuts stores, and this recent announcement signals a significant shift in the company’s strategy. While Dunkin’ is a popular choice for coffee and donuts, it appears that not all of its locations have been equally profitable.
Dunkin’ gas station stores do not generate much revenue for the company. According to Scott Murphy, president of Dunkin’ Americas, they only contribute “less than 0.5 percent of Dunkin’ domestic sales in 2019.”
The decision to close such facilities and redirect all maintenance funds to other successful locations was made by CFO Kate Japson.
We believe that by exiting these locations with a small financial impact, we will be better positioned to serve many of these business regions with new Dunkin’ NextGen stores that have a broader offering in the future, says Jason.
“During 2020, we will close 450 limited-run Dunkin’ Speedway locations pursuant to a termination agreement with Speedway,” she continued. These smaller-volume, limited-menu locations represent less than 0.5 percent of Dunkin’s annual system-wide U.S. revenue.
Currently, the Dunkin’ chain as a whole has 9,600 stores. There are a number of places where people can grab a coffee and refuel.
However, Dunkin might look back and regret the decision to close so many stores. People are putting off spending on products like coffee, which are often considered a luxury, instead of grabbing their Morning Joe from the grocery store as the COVID-19 pandemic is already closing stores.
However, according to Dave Hoffman, CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, “We are focused on making your experience as frictionless as possible, whether through our 5,300+ drive-thrus, On-the-Go orders and curbside pickup through the Dunkin’ app or delivery through GrubHub and other providers.” Rest assured that we are committed to providing you with a safe and secure experience at Dunkin’, providing you with something convenient and familiar amid so much change.
People have nowhere to go outside their homes as the virus changes the landscape of America. Family life was considerably strained as a result. Some families appreciate having more time together. Others believe it is simply unbearable.
However, Dunkin’ intends to support you when you need it.
Dunkin’ Donuts recognizes these changes and strives to adapt to the evolving needs of its customers. Hoffman stated, “Dunkin’ has been at the center of the communities we serve for more than 70 years, keeping America running and taking care of our guests. We appreciate the dedication of our franchisees and crew members who work hard every day to uphold our brand’s reputation .” Dunkin’ remains committed to being a comforting and familiar presence in the lives of its customers during times of change and uncertainty.
In conclusion, while Dunkin’ Donuts is closing 450 stores on the East Coast, it’s important to note that the company continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the coffee industry. Dunkin’ remains committed to providing its loyal customers with a convenient and enjoyable coffee experience, whether through traditional store visits, drive-thrus, mobile ordering, or delivery services. As the world goes through these uncertain times, Dunkin’ Donuts is committed to being a source of comfort and consistency in people’s lives.
Please close the location in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Service is slow, inefficient, and the products often taste stale. Personnel at the store are rude, surly, appear untrained, and wanting a job somewhere else. Store personnel ignore walk-in business, preferring to focus on drive-through. The surliest and rudest employees are whoever is the manager on duty is at any given time. The behavior and attitudes of the employees at the Lehigh Acres is so bad and offensive that I now drive 18 miles to Krispy Kreme in Ft. Myers, FL.