Dunkin’ Donuts, along with its sister brand Baskin Robbins, is set to undergo significant expansion in 2014. Here is a brief overview of the chain’s storied history.
On the left: The inaugural Dunkin’ Donuts location on Southern Artery in Quincy offers a nostalgic experience, featuring its vintage script outdoor sign, a question mark counter with stools, tables for doughnuts, and an inviting display of baked goods upon entry.
Bill Rosenberg established a doughnut shop called “Open Kettle” in 1948 in Quincy, located on Southern Artery. In 1950, the establishment was rebranded as “Dunkin’ Donuts.” The first franchise agreement was signed in Worcester five years later.
On the left: A glimpse of the original Dunkin’ Donuts establishment.
The recently renovated Dunkin’ in Quincy has restored its counter, although the Canton-based Dunkin’ Donuts does not intend to endorse any further retro renovations.
On the left: An interior view of a Dunkin’ Donuts from the 1970s.
By 1963, the chain celebrated the opening of its 100th restaurant. The introduction of Munchkins occurred in 1972, followed by the addition of muffins to the menu in 1978. The 1,000th franchise opened the subsequent year.
On the left: An old Dunkin’ Donuts sign in Allston from 2007, one of the last of its kind.
In 1982, the company launched its well-known “Fred the Baker” commercials, featuring Fred, portrayed by Michael Vale, who became one of television’s most beloved advertising figures.
The 2,000th restaurant opened in 1990, followed by the 3,000th in 1992.
In 1996, bagels were incorporated into the Dunkin’ Donuts menu, and breakfast sandwiches were introduced the following year.
Vale, who appeared in over 200 commercials throughout a decade, served as the chain’s spokesperson until 1997.
On the left: Vale alongside former Dunkin’ Donuts CEO Bob Rosenberg at the original Quincy location in 1995.
In 2004, Dunkin’ Donuts relocated its headquarters to Canton.
On the left: Dunkin’ Donuts culinary technologist Bob Pitts, chef Ming Tsai, and executive chef Stan Frankenthaler at the Canton facility in 2006.
Dunkin’ Donuts launched its “America Runs on Dunkin’” marketing initiative in 2006, coinciding with the acquisition of its parent company by a group of private equity firms, including Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group, and Thomas H. Lee Partners.
The chain opened its inaugural restaurant in Taiwan in 2007.
In recent years, Dunkin’ Donuts has intensified its growth efforts and outlined ambitious goals to expand the chain to 15,000 locations across the United States.
The company plans to concentrate its expansion in existing markets east of the Mississippi River, where, as of November 2011, there is approximately one Dunkin’ store for every 48,400 residents, according to its prospectus. Additionally, it aims to enter the Southern California market by 2015.
Dunkin’ Brands Group experienced a strong debut on the stock market in July 2011, with shares rising 46 percent above the initial public offering price, despite a general market downturn due to concerns over a potential US debt default.
Dunkin’ Brands CEO Nigel Travis expressed satisfaction with the positive reaction from Wall Street and the enthusiasm of Dunkin’ fans, who engaged in discussions about the chain on Twitter.
“One of the Tweets proposed that we establish a Massachusetts holiday to commemorate the Dunkin’ IPO,” he noted. “We believe it’s a great idea.”
In April 2013, Dunkin’ introduced its latest creation, the glazed doughnut breakfast sandwich, in select locations in eastern Massachusetts. This item was added to the national menu in June.
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