Canton / MA. (db) Dunkin´ Donuts, one of the world´s leading coffee and baked goods chains, announced that it has signed agreements with two franchise groups to begin developing Dunkin´ Donuts restaurants in the United Kingdom. The two agreements call for the development of 50 Dunkin´ Donuts restaurants in Greater London over the next five years, with an initial focus on North London and East London. The chain is also in advanced discussions with additional franchise partners to help develop a total of 150 Dunkin´ Donuts restaurants in the UK over the next five years, which includes the two signed agreements.
The Court Group, chaired by UK businessman David Sheepshanks, CBE, has signed a franchise agreement with Dunkin´ Donuts to open 25 restaurants in East London over the next five years. DDMG Limited, a partnership formed by three experienced US Dunkin´ Donuts franchisees from the Baltimore / Philadelphia area and two local UK operators, has signed an agreement to develop 25 Dunkin´ Donuts restaurants in North London over the next five years.
«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», said Giorgio Minardi, President, Dunkin´ Brands International. «We are especially excited to begin the expansion of Dunkin´ Donuts into the UK with The Court Group and DDMG Limited, two experienced franchisees who have a deep passion for the brand and a solid understanding of the local market. We look forward to working with them to make Dunkin´ Donuts´ high-quality beverages, baked goods and sandwiches part of the way of life in the UK».
«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», said David Sheepshanks, CBE, Chairman of The Court Group. «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».
«The UK is a dynamic market, and we believe that Dunkin´ Donuts´ innovative combination of great-tasting food and beverages served in a fast, friendly and fun environment will appeal to the people of Great Britain. We are excited about the opportunity to bring Dunkin´ Donuts to North London, and we look forward to serving our guests Dunkin´ Donuts´ famous coffee and snacks to get them going in the morning and throughout the day», said Neil Patel, Director of DDMG Limited. 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.
«As we develop the Dunkin´ Donuts brand in the UK, we continue to look for qualified, multi-unit franchisee candidates who have a strong financial background, a deep knowledge of the local market, a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry and a desire to develop a minimum of 25 Dunkin´ Donuts restaurants in their market over the coming years», said Jim Johnstone, General Manager, UK, for Dunkin´ Brands.
Dunkin´ Donuts´ sister brand, Baskin-Robbins, currently has 100 locations in the UK, including free-standing restaurants as well as concession locations in other shops and cinemas. «Over the last 18 months, we have opened more than 10 new Baskin-Robbins locations with both existing and new franchisees. We are keen to continue the expansion of the Baskin-Robbins brand across the UK with multiple operators», added Jim Johnstone.
