Dunkin’ Donuts, an international coffee and baked goods retailer, has entered into agreements with two franchise groups, Court Group and DDMG to open 50 new restaurants in London, UK over the next five years.
This deal is retailer’s second attempt to expand in Britain and comes after 20 years, in a move to tap the growing market.
The proposed stores, under the deal, will be set up mainly in North and East London, company said.
Franchise group Court Group will open 25 restaurants in East London over the next five years while DDMG, a joint venture formed by three experienced US Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from the Baltimore/Philadelphia area and two local UK operators, will open remaining 25 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in North London.
Dunkin’ Brands International president Giorgio Minardi said, "We feel there is significant opportunity for Dunkin’ Donuts in the UK, and we have had a tremendous response from potential franchisees interested in developing the brand across the country."
The Court Group CBE, chairman David Sheepshanks said Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the world’s most iconic brands, with a long history of offering high-quality beverages and baked goods at a great value for its guests around the world.
"We have significant experience in the UK across a number of businesses, and we look forward to leveraging that experience as we develop the Dunkin’ Donuts brand in East London with the goal of becoming a destination of choice for the local communities around our stores," Sheepshanks added.
Further, the chain is in advanced discussions with additional franchise partners to open a total of 150 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the UK over the next five years, which includes the two signed agreements.
All outlets across UK will stock brand’s wide range of coffees, teas, espresso-based beverages, Coolatta frozen drinks, donuts, muffins, croissants and sandwiches.
The brand will also offer regional menu items specific to the UK to cater to local tastes and options from its DDSMART lineup.
Dunkin’ Donuts currently has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries around the world, including more than 100 locations across Europe in Bulgaria, Germany, Russia and Spain.
