Dunkin' Donuts Reportedly Set to Close down 450 Locations by the End of 2020
Stopping off for a doughnut and a cup of coffee at your local Speedway gas station will soon be a thing of the past.
Dunkin', not so long ago Dunkin' Donuts thas announced that it has dissolved its previous partnership with Speedway. The collaboration was originally between Hess and Dunkin' Donuts, which was acquired by Speedway in 2014.
The decision will mean the closure of approximately 450 outlets located in the Speedway gas station throughout the United States.
As States throughout the US relax the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Dunkin' is planning to create 25,000 new jobs
Photo of first Dunkin' Donuts location established in in Quincy, Massachusetts n 1950 | Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Cs302b Clayton Smalley
DUNKIN' RESTRUCTURES
Dunkin's CFO Kate Jaspon revealed that the Speedway outlets represented less than 0.5% of the company's sales volume, and the resources freed by closing them will allow for greater investment in the new Next Generation restaurants.
The Speedway outlets are considerably smaller than Dunkin's stand-alone restaurants, and offer a severely limited menu to customers. Jaspon stated:
"By exiting these sites, we are confident we will be better positioned to serve these trade areas with Dunkin’s newest Next Generation restaurant design that offers a broader menu and modern experience."
CLOSING DOWN DUNKIN'
The company has announced that the 450 outlets will be phased out by the end of 2020, but that although the relationship with Speedway is ended, Dunkin' will still be available for travelers. Jaspon revealed:
"We also remain committed to growing our presence in gas and convenience locations, as well as other non-traditional locations, including airports, universities, travel plazas, and military installations."
The Dunkin' Donuts Express in Chicago Midway Airport | Source: Wikimedia commons/ JJBers Public
25,000 NEW JOBS
Dunkin' has taken on a more responsible posture, using environmentally friendly packaging, and offering new sandwiches with vegan proteins, as well as a whole new range of summer beverages which include bubble tea.
Bubble tea, a tea-based beverage will be offered with a variety of flavors, and the aforementioned "bubbles" which consist of tapioca starch. Dunkin' is embracing a new more health-conscious menu and promises more novelties in the future.
As States throughout the US relax the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Dunkin' is planning to create 25,000 new jobs as lockdown ends, people go back to work and start getting those doughnut and caffeine cravings.
Dunkin boasts over 11,300 locations in 37 countries and serves over 1.7 billion cups of coffee, and 2.9 billion doughnuts a year.