News

Dunkin' sells out franchise opps in Wisconsin

August 14, 2013

Dunkin' Donuts announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchise group, Travel Mart Inc., for seven new restaurants in La Crosse and Eau Claire, Wis. The first restaurant is planned to open in 2014, and the remainder by 2020, according to a company press release.

Travel Mart Inc., a retailer of fuel and food products in convenience stores, is headquartered in Dells, Wis., and has 10 Travel Mart locations throughout the area managed by The Gussel family and members of Travel Mart Operations Inc.

This group currently operates six Dunkin' Donuts in Wisconsin and had previously committed to develop another seven restaurants throughout the state for a total of 20 locations. Travel Mart shares an ownership structure with Holiday Wholesale Inc., a distributor of food and sundry products, and Vacationland Vendors Inc., a vending and amusement service company.

"We are excited to continue to expand Dunkin' Donuts' presence throughout western Wisconsin and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," said Gary Gussel, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee. "We have a passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of our Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the years to come."

With these agreements, the Wisconsin market is officially sold out, according to the press release. Opportunities with Dunkin' Donuts remain available across the country, however, and to drive its expansion efforts, the company has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets.

Dunkin' Donuts' new look includes four distinct restaurant design options for franchisees, each featuring variations in layout, color schemes, graphics, textures, furniture and/or lighting.

The designs — called Original Blend, Cappuccino Blend, Dark Roast and Jazz Brew — were developed to enhance the current restaurant appearance, environment and layout to serve people all day long, according to the company.

Dunkin' Donuts allows franchisees to select individual elements from any of the four options, creating a restaurant design that reflects their personal tastes and preferences, and best serves their specific restaurant size and location.

"Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands. "We believe these existing franchise partners will cultivate lasting customer relationships and become integral parts of their local communities."

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