Donut and coffee chain expands footprint

Donut and coffee chain expands footprint

Dunkin’ Donuts has become well-known for its coffee in recent years. Photo via fb.com

A growing chain of donut and coffee shops is looking for franchisees as it expands its footprint in West Michigan and statewide.

Dunkin’ Donuts, which has 74 Michigan locations, will host an International Franchising Seminar on June 7, from 2-4 p.m., in Lansing at the Hampton Inn and Suites Lansing West.

Expansion plans

Dunkin’ Donuts is targeting the Grand Rapids, Lansing, Traverse City and Detroit areas for about 30 new locations, including about nine in West Michigan, according to Patrick Cunningham, senior director of franchising, Dunkin’ Donuts.

“Michigan has been part of the contiguous growth east to west for many years,” Cunningham said. “There’s an opportunity now to offer greater convenience to our guests.”

Local entrepreneurs "will benefit from our seminar where they can learn how to be part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ growth,” said Grant Benson, VP of Global Franchising and Business Development, Dunkin’ Brands.

The donut and coffee company currently has nearly 8,400 franchise locations in the U.S. and has a long-term goal of reaching 17,000 in the nation.

While the company is flexible in formats, the main focus is targeting gas and convenience operators.

Of the 74 Michigan locations, 17 are gas and convenience locations.

Potential franchisees

Cunningham said potential franchisees should understand franchises, be dedicated to operational excellence, able to build a team and have financial qualifications.

New Dunkin’ Donut locations can require a franchisee investment from $109,000 to $1.6 million.

An average Dunkin’ Donuts location brings with it 20 jobs, with a mix of part- and full-time staff.

“We’re not just looking for someone who can open a franchise,” Cunningham said. “We need to feel comfortable with them, and we want them to feel comfortable with us.”

Dunkin’ Donuts is nearly 100-percent franchisee operated. The company, which operates a handful of corporate stores, invests in branding and operational development.