Dunkin' Donuts has announced it has signed agreements with four franchisees to develop 16 new restaurants in Tampa, Orlando and Tallahassee over the next several years. Dunkin' Donuts development throughout Florida is part of a steady and strategic growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities across the country to help drive the leading coffee and bakery chain's growth.

Locations targeted for development include the following:

Four units are to be developed in the North Central Pinellas region of Tampa by the Adler Group.  Led by Jim Adler, Ava Lawrence and Daniel Burns the first restaurant is slated to open in 2011 with the remaining three to be completed by 2013.  

Sara and Fred Lin plan to open three restaurants in Central East Orlando over the next several years.  The first location is scheduled to open in 2012 and the remaining locations are scheduled to open by 2014.

Larry Lemos plans to open one restaurant in South East Orlando in 2012.

Eight restaurants will be developed in Tallahassee by existing franchisees Sunil Rajan and Mark Weber.  Their first Tallahassee location opened on Bannerman and Thomasville Road in December 2010 and the remaining seven restaurants are scheduled to open by 2014.

"The Sunshine State is a priority growth market for Dunkin' Donuts in 2011 and we're excited to expand our footprint in three key markets," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin' Brands, Inc.  "Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day, and we're confident our franchisees will cultivate lasting relationships and become an integral part of their respective Florida communities."

In addition to the development agreements mentioned above, Dunkin' Donuts is seeking new and existing franchisees to develop restaurants throughout Tampa and Orlando. To drive its expansion efforts, Dunkin' Donuts has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets.  As a result, the company continues to expand with single and multi-unit opportunities with no minimum unit requirements.  

In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin' Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments.

According to Benson, "Dunkin' Donuts is proud to energize Americans and keep the honest, hard-working, value-driven people of this country running every day.  Our recent and ongoing menu enhancements meet the needs of today's on-the-go consumers, moving Dunkin' Donuts beyond breakfast with high-quality food and beverage items available all day."

Historically a doughnut and hot coffee chain, Dunkin' Donuts has expanded its offering to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. The new platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin' Donuts' product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003.

For information on franchise opportunities or to attend an upcoming webinar, please visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.