Additionally, the company is looking to find food service operators for various non-traditional venues such as colleges and universities, casinos, military bases, supermarkets, airports and travel centers.
“Expansion to California has always been part of our plan to grow Dunkin’ Donuts’ presence in the U.S.,” said Nigel Travis, chief executive officer of Dunkin’ Brands. “We have maintained our disciplined approach to expand steadily while focusing on initiatives to improve restaurant economics and franchisee profitability. These initiatives include our recent agreement with our franchisee-owned and operated distribution and procurement facility, which ensures the same cost of goods to franchisees in both established and new markets by 2015.
“In addition to California, we believe we have … domestic growth opportunities for Dunkin’ Donuts both east and west of the Mississippi. On a global basis, we remain committed to our long-term development goal, which calls for us to accelerate to approximately a 5% net new annual development rate for Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins combined.”
In 2012 the company announced the opening of 291 net new locations in the United States for a net new unit growth rate of 4%. The company also remodeled more than 600 restaurants across the United States last year. In 2013 the company said it plans to open 330 to 360 net new restaurants, representing a 4.5% to 5% increase and with growth from both new and existing markets.
