When you want your caffeine strong and your order served fast, head to the new Dunkin’ Donuts in the Marketplace.
A Next Gen version of the nationwide chain, the store has two drive-through lanes and the latest technology in beverage systems.
“We are set up to serve food quickly,” says Greg O’Neill, managing owner and franchisee. The design includes a mobile lane exclusively for customers who order ahead using the Dunkin’ app. “It saves a lot of time,” Mr. O’Neill says, adding that the contactless payment is beneficial during these pandemic times. It also includes other benefits. “I urge our guests to get the app to get free perks and rewards.”
An enthusiastic franchise owner who has been affiliated with the chain for 12 years, Mr. O’Neill partners on 15 stores in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
He notes that Florida had about 400 Dunkin’ Donuts in 2007 and has close to 1,000 now.
“Dunkin’ almost has a cult following from New England that spread in Florida,” he says. “The products we offer are top notch, and we’ve really expanded our options.”
One of the more novel changes is an eighttab cold beverage system that keeps all iced coffees and teas chilled rather than hot beverages being poured over ice.
“It’s great because your ice isn’t melting as you drive away,” he says.
There are also healthier menu items, such as the Beyond Sausage Sandwich, the Southwest Veggie Power Sandwich and an Oatmilk Iced Latte. “These are geared toward the healthy lifestyle and vegan guest,” he says. “We incorporated them to meet everybody’s needs.
“The response has been really good. We’ve seen great growth since they rolled out.”
Of course, coffee is a staple, and there are several new offerings.
Two new flavors were launched in January. Dunkin’ Midnight is the brand’s darkest roast ever and features a note of cocoa. Explorer Batch is a medium roast with dark berry notes.
And the Extra Charged Coffee has 20% more caffeine from a green coffee bean extract that Mr. O’Neill says does not change the flavor profile.
Open since September, this new Dunkin’ Donuts fills a need.
“For years, customers have been saying ‘You need a store in Northport.’ We never found the right area,” Mr. O’Neill says. “But when Wellen Park came on the map and developed this plaza, it was a home run.”
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