Dunkin’ Donuts Sees Dollars In Texas

Statesman:

Can Dunkin’ Donuts prosper in the land of Krispy Kreme and Round Rock Donuts?

We’re about to find out. Dunkin’ Donuts plans to begin a major expansion in Austin, growing from a single restaurant in North Austin to 63 within a few years. The Austin growth is just one part of an aggressive expansion plan for the coffee-and-doughnut chain, which hopes to triple from its current 5,200 locations to 15,000 by 2020.

For most of its 57-year life, Dunkin’ Donuts has been known as a doughnut shop. But the company is expanding its menu with omelets, smoothies and other breakfast foods, and jazzing up its advertising. A new campaign featuring Food Network star Rachael Ray launches this month.

And the chain sees growth opportunities beyond its traditional territory of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. Texas is slated to get 500 new franchise locations over the next several years, but only the Austin plans have been announced.

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