Doughnut Chain Rolls Out Big Plans

Indianapolis Star:

The economic outlook for 2009 may be sour, but Dunkin’ Donuts thinks its prospects are sweet.

The coffee and food chain expects to weather 2009 and keep the heat on rivals such as McDonald’s and Starbucks. Coming are a new CEO, more value offerings, more stores and more marketing, with spending up more than 5 percent, led by a $100 million ad campaign starting Monday.

“It will be a difficult year economically, but I think we’re well-positioned,” says Will Kussell, president and chief brand officer. The chain has 5,769 U.S. stores.

Dunkin’ recently scored a symbolic win in Congress against Starbucks, which is undergoing a $400 million revitalization plan. As of Dec. 18, thanks to a concession change, Dunkin’ bumped Starbucks as the official coffee of the Senate restaurant.

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