Dunkin’ Donuts has become a staple for coffee lovers across the United States. In fact, for New Englanders, it’s almost a way of life. However, the beloved coffee shop chain has recently announced that it will be shutting down 450 locations inside Speedway stores across the east coast.
This means that people who like to grab a coffee or donut while filling up their gas tank may have to settle for a cheap gas station coffee and packaged donut instead of the Dunkin’ Donuts quality they’re used to.
Dunkin’ Donuts president of Dunkin’ Americas, Scott Murphy said that the Dunkin’ locations in gas stations do not generate much revenue for the corporation, amounting to less than 0.5 percent of Dunkin’ domestic sales in 2019. As a result, Kate Japson, chief financial officer, made the decision to shut down those locations and invest the upkeep money into locations that are more profitable.
“By exiting these sites, with minimal financial impact, we’re confident we’ll be better positioned to serve many of these trade areas in the coming years with new Dunkin’ NextGen restaurants that offer a broader menu,” Japson said.
Dunkin’ currently has 9,600 locations across the entire chain, providing ample opportunity for coffee lovers to fuel up. However, the decision to shut down so many locations may be regrettable for Dunkin’ as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to close stores, and people are holding off on spending money on items like coffee, which are often considered luxury items, and opting to grab their morning cup of Joe from the grocery store.
Despite the challenging environment, Dunkin’s Brands CEO Dave Hoffman is optimistic about the company’s future. He said, “We’re focused on making your experience as frictionless as possible, whether through our 5,300+ drive-thru locations, On-the-Go ordering and curbside pickup through the Dunkin’ app, or delivery through GrubHub and other providers. Rest assured, we are committed to providing a safe, secure experience at Dunkin’– offering you something familiar and welcoming amid so much change.”
Dunkin’ is more than just a coffee chain. The company is dedicated to providing comfort and support to communities across America, especially during these uncertain times. “For more than 70 years, Dunkin’ has been at the heart of the communities we serve, keeping America running and taking care of our guests. We are grateful for the dedication of our franchisees and crew members who make our brand stand tall every day. We’re continuing our legacy of being there when people need us most by taking these additional steps to be your place of comfort during all of this uncertainty,” said Hoffman.
While Dunkin’ Donuts may be closing down some of its locations, the company remains dedicated to providing the best possible experience for its customers. So, whether you’re in the mood for a coffee, donut, or a friendly face, Dunkin’ will be there to provide comfort and support during these challenging times.
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Source: AWM