Dunkin' Donuts offer a strong brand for franchisees, and are the market leader in sales of coffee, iced coffee, bagels, donuts and muffins. The brand has the highest rate of customer loyalty in the quick serve restaurant industry for the past 8 years, according to the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index.Through their extensive branding and marketing, Dunkin' Donuts boasts 94% brand awareness.
Franchisees are supported from the start by a team of experts including a franchising manager, real estate manager, operations manager and field marketing manager. Advisory Councils are a way for franchisees to provide feedback. The Advisory Council discuss any issues franchisees may have together with the Dunkin' Donuts team. Franchisees take part in a six-week training course covering Dunkin' brands, restaurant management systems and manufacturing and production.
| Year established | 1950 |
| Year franchise established in the UK | 1974 |
| Number of units in Europe | 140 |
| Number of units worldwide | 3,100 |
Corporate Responsibility
Charities, sponsorship
The Joy in Childhood Foundation
Founded in 2006, The Joy in Childhood foundation has donated over $11 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the U.S. The foundation raises funds to support children's hospitals, food banks, and non-profit organisations that help sick and hungry children. Funds are raised through the support of franchisees, employees, vendors and customers.
In 2012, Dunkin' Donuts set a goal to reduce sodium by 10% across their entire menu by the end of 2015. They also set a goal to reduce the sugar in their beverages by 10% by the end of 2017. The DDSMART menu offers customers choices that contain 25% less calories, sugar, saturated fat or salt compared to other menu items. International Dunkin' Donuts restaurants also offer healthier menu options based on local nutrition regulations.
Environment
Dunkin' Donuts are continuously assessing their packaging such as coffee cups, bagel bags, donut boxes and napkins to ensure they are cost effective and sustainable. Napkins in their U.S restaurants are made with 100% recycled material and are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. Since 2014, all bagel bags in the U.S are also made from 100% recycled material. They are currently testing the introduction of a recyclable coffee cup and lid.
The DD Green Achievement allows franchisees the option to choose to build a more sustainable restaurant. This would include LED light fixtures, indoor air quality management, energy efficient equipment and water saving plumbing. Dunkin' Donuts opened their first DD Green Achievement restaurant in Long Beach, California in 2014.