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Troy Aikman, Jerry Jones sign on as Dunkin' Donuts franchisees

March 29, 2012

Dunkin' Donuts has added some star power to its franchise base in Dallas, welcoming Dallas Cowboys Football Club Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as the brand's newest partners.

As part of a limited partnership between Dunkin' Donuts, the Jones Family and Aikman, the group plans to open at least 50 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth region throughout the next five years.

"In traveling around the country on business, I've had the opportunity to enjoy Dunkin' Donuts coffee in many other cities," said Aikman, who is now a FOX Network broadcaster. "I'm excited to now be a part of bringing this same outstanding experience to everyone here in Dallas and Fort Worth."

There are currently 19 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in North Texas, including four locations at DFW Airport and a new restaurant that recently opened in McKinney. Another Dunkin' Donuts restaurant is scheduled to open in Southlake in mid-April.

Under the agreement, Dunkin' Donuts, the Jones Family and Aikman will share ownership of the new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and 11 of the 19 existing locations. Together, Dunkin' Donuts, the Jones Family and Aikman will be jointly responsible for strategic planning, expansion and marketing, with Dunkin' Donuts responsible for the operations of the restaurants.

"We are honored at the opportunity to grow our presence in the Metroplex through a partnership with Jerry Jones - one of the country's most admired businessmen and a leading presence in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and Troy Aikman - one of the NFL's all-time great leaders on and off the football field," said Nigel Travis, Dunkin' Brands Inc. CEO. "We look forward to making America's favorite coffee, as well as our delicious baked goods and food products, available to a growing number of customers in this area by teaming up with these outstanding franchise partners."

This isn't Aikman's first experience in the restaurant business. He has been a spokesman for Wingstop since 2003 and recently joined the fast casual brand's board of directors.

In 2009, Dunkin' Donuts entered into a partnership with the Dallas Cowboys Football Club as the official coffee for the team. Dunkin' Donuts has pouring stations located strategically throughout Cowboys Stadium, serving hot and iced coffee, hot chocolate and iced tea during Cowboys home games, college football games, concerts and other stadium events. Dunkin' Donuts signage appears within the stadium and advertising is shown during events on the LED ribbon board and video board.

The expansion of Dunkin' Donuts in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is part of the company's goal to more than double its current footprint of 7,000 restaurants in the United States throughout the next 20 years.

Read more about franchising and growth.