News

Dunkin' goes deep (south) with help from Drew Brees

January 4, 2017

Dunkin' Donuts has partnered with New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and existing franchisee, Vik Patel, to develop up to 69 sites in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria, Louisiana, over the coming years, according to a news release. The group will also co-own five existing Louisiana Dunkin' restaurants. 

The first will open this year under Bourbon Street Donuts under the operation of Purple Square Management CEO Vik Patel, who also operates 46 restaurants under the brand in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. Drew Brees and Fox Sports broadcaster David Diehl are partners in Bourbon Street Donuts.

"Drew has proven his commitment to New Orleans — both on and off the field — and we couldn't ask for a better partner to help expand Dunkin' Donuts' presence in Louisiana," Patel said in a news release. 

Dunkin' Donuts currently has 12 sites in Louisiana, with plans to grow the brand throughout the Southeast, including franchisee recruitment and incentives in Arkansas, eastern Texas and Mississippi. Part of that promotion is also the offer of flexible site concepts, including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, and other retail environments. 

New year, new coffee and a plethora of promos 
The chain is also introducing a new permanent coffee offering to its menu in the form of the Americano, which combines two shots of the brand's 100 percent Rainforest Alliance-certified espresso with hot water. The new pick-me-up joins a couple rewards program incentives to kick off the new year. 

Under the loyalty program promotions, all new DD Perks members who use a special promo code earn triple points on purchases when they pay with their enrolled cards. DD Perks members also get 30 bonus point on each Americano purchase from Jan. 16 through Jan. 29. 

And lastly, the chain's products have officially been named the U.S. coffee, donut and breakfast sandwich of the NHL, which is being promoted with a special Winter Frosted Donut LTO, featuring a yeast ring donut with winter blue-colored icing, drizzled with white icing.