Dunkin’ Donuts is stepping up its presence on college campuses with the opening of branches at 10 universities across the country.
The Canton, Mass.-based beverage-snack operator recently opened units at Emory University, Providence College, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Seton Hall University and the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. Plans also call for future openings at Middle Tennessee University, University of Baltimore, Montclair State University, Virginia Tech and Liberty University.
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The chain, which has about 7,000-plus domestic units, already operates locations at such schools as Boston University, New York University, University of North Carolina Wilmington and Georgia Tech. Dunkin' Donuts will have a total of 60 units at universities after the newest openings are complete.
Dunkin’ Donuts said it has developed a range of store prototypes tailored to accommodate individual college venues like campus centers, student unions and dining commons. In addition to serving coffee, many university locations feature the brand’s full menu of food and beverages, including breakfast sandwiches, donuts, bagels, muffins and the DDSMART menu, which specializes in more healthful items.
Units also merchandise Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup packs for use with Keurig K-Cup Brewing Systems, targeting students who choose to prepare coffee in their dorm rooms or apartments. The chain said the sale of K-Cups helped to boost its same-store sales in the second quarter.
“Universities turn to Dunkin’ Donuts to provide a valuable amenity for the entire school community and an important incentive to attract students,” said Grant Benson, vice president of franchising at Dunkin’ Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts.
The company said it has plans to double its number of U.S. restaurants over the next two decades, which includes opening units in such nontraditional locations as universities, airports, hotels, sports stadiums and amusement parks.
Dunkin’ Donuts has more than 10,000 units in the United States and 31 other countries, and reported global systemwide sales of $6.4 billion for the year ended December 2011.
Contact Paul Frumkin at paul.frumkin@penton.com.
Follow him on Twitter: @NRNPaul
