 | |
|
| |
| Dave Baumgartner | |
Staff photo by Matt Fields-Johnson A new Dunkin' Donuts at 5311 Highway 153 is under construction and scheduled to open on Nov. 11.
After four years, the Dunkin’ Donuts chain is returning to the Chattanooga area.
Franchisee Dave Baumgartner is bringing the brand back in force.
Following the opening of the new location on Highway 153 in Hixson, tentatively set for Nov. 11, Mr. Baumgartner plans to open at least four stores in places such as Cleveland, Tenn., Fort Oglethorpe and Ooltewah.
“We are hoping to build as many as the market will support,” said Mr. Baumgartner, president of the Bluemont Group.
When the Hixson store opens in November across from Northgate Mall, it will be a return of sorts for the company. The store operated most recently as Donut Connection.
“We did have four locations in Chattanooga between 1974 and 2005,” said Brandy B. Zimmerle with Dunkin’ Brands in Nashville, where the company is based.
Those franchisees decided not to renew their contracts with Dunkin’, and the brand vanished from the market.
Mr. Baumgartner, who lives in Knoxville, is new to the doughnut business, but he has been attending training sessions in Orlando, Fla., to learn about the company’s point-of-sale systems, pricing and practices.
“Dunkin’ is in a major expansion mode, and I was excited about participating in their growth and where they are growing,” Mr. Baumgartner said.
But when the store opens next month, there will be a few changes. Workers are adding a drive-through to serve those in a hurry and those expecting just doughnuts and coffee. The store will be about 1,800 square feet — a typical size for a Dunkin’ Donuts location — and will serve its famous coffee, all-day sandwiches and other baked goods.
Mr. Baumgartner plans to hire between 40 and 50 people. He said he doesn’t worry about the economy because the brand is recession-friendly.
Dunkin’ Donuts coffee has a very loyal following that has made it among the most popular retail coffee brands in the country, Ms. Zimmerle said.
Text Size:
This is GREAT news! I've been a life-long DD fan and can't wait to finally get a cup of good coffee. Not sure what they do to it, but I'm addicted. Let the countdown begin.
Good news.
Better donuts that KK, decent coffee (The secret is that they fry it in the same oil they use to cook the donuts....), and 24 access to sugary fat foods.
I've always loved DD! Especially over those grease balls they serve at their competitor's shop.
Now, if someone in the restaurant biz could just get Brinker to finally put an On The Border here!
Have missed maple DD since moving back from Tampa in 2006...and so much closer to me than KK....(especially when all the roads in that direction flood!!)
Thank God for Mr. Baumgartner!!! Finally.. I don't have to drive to Kennesaw just to get donuts. My boyfriend & I are such huge fans of dunkin donuts. I think we will be there #1 customer! lol :) I seriously think my boyfriend and I will need a membership to the Y, because we just cant get enough of there donuts!