800 Dunkin' locations are getting the boot by the end of the year—here's what we know.
Dunkin’ Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here’s Why
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
Prepare to say goodbye to a daily Boston Kreme, because Dunkin’ will be closing up shop on 800 locations by the end of 2020. This might be the biggest news since Dunkin’ dropped the Donuts part of its name.
This means Dunkin’ will be have slimmed-down ranks like Starbucks and McDonald’s, which recently shuttered a number of locations.
Don’t worry, though—there will still be plenty of stores Dunkin’ that stay open.
Why Is Dunkin’ Closing Stores?
During the first round of closures, the only locations in danger of getting the boot were located inside of Speedway gas stations (which are primarily on the East Coast) and are smaller than usual Dunkin’ locations, with limited menus. This news was originally reported back in February, but Dunkin’ has recently confirmed the closures. According to Dunkin’s chief financial officer Kate Jaspon, these locations represented less than 0.5% of the chain’s U.S. sales in 2019.
The major change we’ll see in the chain comes after Dunkin’s second quarter earning results, which determined 350 more locations will be permanently closing their doors, though there’s no confirmation of where. The combined total means 800 stores will close in the US by the end of 2020. It’s not all bad news, though—96% of Dunkin’ locations have opened up shop as of July 25, and sales have slowly risen ever since.
In short, these Dunkin’ locations inside of gas stations were underperforming even before the global pandemic hit.
The World Runs on Dunkin’
Even though there are nine states where Dunkin’ doesn’t do business, they still manage the be the #1 doughnut retailer in the United States and claims to sell more than 2.9 billion doughnuts and 2 billion cups of coffee each year. That’s a lot of doughnuts!
If you haven’t checked out the Dunkin’ menu at locations around the world, you’re in for a treat. Sure, you might find glazed and old-fashioned doughnuts, but you’ll also discover unexpected ingredients like Parmesan cheese and dates!
These Dunkin’ copycat recipes show you how to recreate all of your favorites, from Coolattas to breakfast sandwiches.
Inspired by: Sugared DonutOne day, my father got a hankering for doughnuts and asked me to make him some. I ended up trying these. Dad—and everyone else—loved the results. They come out so golden and plump. —Lisa Bates, Dunham, Quebec
Inspired by: Ham, Egg & Cheese on an English Muffin If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Iced Coffee with Mocha Flavor Swirl When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
Hot ChocolateIt is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Inspired by: Glazed Donut The light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin
Apple Pie Steel-Cut OatmealI absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Inspired by: Hot Coffee with Hazelnut Flavor Swirl The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Inspired by: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap®My husband leaves for work at 4 a.m., and I want him to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. I usually make half a dozen of these on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so he can grab one and go. —Dauna Harwood, Union, Michigan
Inspired by: English Muffin This English muffins recipe yields soft and chewy bread with all the craggy nooks and crannies that make English muffins so iconic. Serve with eggs Benedict, or spread on some butter and jam.
Inspired by: Strawberry Coolatta Colorful and refreshing, this sweet-tart slush has become a family favorite. I freeze the mix in 2- and 4-cup containers so it can be served in small portions for individuals or the whole family. I also freeze crushed strawberries to make preparation simpler. —Connie Friesen, Altona, Manitoba
Inspired by: Vanilla ChaiA wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Inspired by: Blueberry MuffinThese buttermilk blueberry muffins are a tasty treat to grab as you head out the door or to savor alongside all your favorite breakfast foods.
Inspired by: Chocolate Glazed DonutI first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan
Hot Chocolate with MarshmallowsThis hot chocolate with marshmallows recipe isn't your average cup of hot cocoa. Melted marshmallows make this the fluffiest, frothiest, coziest cocoa you'll ever sip.
Inspired by: Coffee Cake MuffinCinnamon sugar–dusted doughnut muffins hit the flavor mark of an old-fashioned jelly doughnut without a deep fryer in sight.
Inspired by: Iced Sweet Tea A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste Recipes Community Member
Inspired by: Jelly DonutThere's no need to run to the bakery for delicious jelly doughnuts! These sweet treats are lighter than air. I've been fixing them for 25 years for my husband, our two daughters and their families. They disappear almost as fast as I make them. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa
Inspired by: Ham, Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap®This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.—Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
