D.C. keeps getting more places to get its coffee fix — Dunkin’ Donuts is continuing its large-scale expansion in the D.C. area, with 31 stores scheduled to open in the region during 2008.
The Canton, Mass.-based company first announced its plans for expansion in 2006, when it said it hoped to open 325 stores in the D.C. and Greater Baltimore area by 2010. Vice President of Franchising Lynette McKee said those goals are still feasible.
“We’re on track of where we thought we’d be at this point,” McKee said.
The privately held company opened 33 stores during 2006 and 2007 throughout the region.
In a time of constant new entrants in the coffee business, as well as the pervasive presence of Starbucks, McKee said the company isn’t worried about competition.
“We’ve been around for about 50 years, and we’ve seen a lot of brands come and go,” she said. “We have a loyal customer base that craves our products.”
Bob Phibbs, a retail consultant who has advised the coffee industry and helped found the It’s A Grind Coffee franchise, said Dunkin’ Donuts’ New England roots make it popular among D.C.-area consumers.
“The people in the area know them. It totally makes sense,” Phibbs said. “When they go out West, that’s going to be a different story.”
The company hopes to get commitments for more than 70 franchises Arlington, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Fairfax counties, and is looking in Roanoke and West Virginia as well, McKee said.
