Dunkin' Donuts announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchise group, Gilligan Oil Company, LLC, for 13 new restaurants throughout Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding areas. The first new restaurant is planned to open in 2014.

Led by Pat Gilligan, Gilligan Oil Company, LLC currently has an active multi-unit store agreement requiring the opening of 19 new restaurants throughout Cincinnati, Ohio, of which seven are currently open and five more are under construction for 2013. Gilligan Oil Company, LLC was founded in 1993 and has extensive experience in the gas and convenience industry, including retail and wholesale divisions that provide gasoline to over 80 stations throughout Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus.

"We don't build anything now without a food franchise in it as we believe it provides us the best returns on our investment. The Dunkin' Donuts brand has already been very successful for us in Cincinnati and we are excited to expand Dunkin' Donuts' presence throughout Dayton and the state of Ohio," says Pat Gilligan, president and CEO, Gilligan Oil Company, LLC. "In fact, we will be building free-standing Dunkin' Donuts restaurants with drive-thrus as well. We have a strong passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of more Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in years to come."

Although the Dayton market is officially sold out, opportunities throughout Ohio remain available in Toledo, Lima and multiple counties in the southeast portion of the state. 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.

"Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high level of customer service to our guests every day," says Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of Franchising and Business Development, Dunkin' Brands, Inc. "We believe this existing franchise partner will cultivate lasting customer relationships and become integral parts of their local communities."

Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Dunkin' Donuts to invest in a distribution model that provides consistent, high-quality products that guests expect. 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.

Since the 1950s, Dunkin' Donuts has been a daily ritual for millions of people. For more than 60 years, Dunkin' Donuts has offered delicious food, beverages, and friendly service at a great value. To best serve its guests, Dunkin' Donuts offers an all-day menu including iced coffee, flavored coffees, lattes, Dunkin' Donuts K-Cup® Packs, Coolatta frozen drinks, muffins, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and a DDSMART menu featuring better-for-you items.