Dunkin’ Donuts announces opening of Columbia restaurant

On Tuesday, Feb 24. , Dunkin’ Donuts announced a franchise agreement for the development of two Dunkin’ Donuts and one Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins combination restaurant in Columbia and Jefferson City, Mo. Anup Thakkar, Ramesh Patel and Prashant Pater lead the franchise group charged with the project, Donut World, LLC. The partners have been part of Columbia’s community for more than 15 years and have more than 30 years of restaurant and retail industry experience.

The first restaurant location is scheduled to open this summer at 3100 Providence Road in Columbia. The remaining two restaurants are planned to open some time in 2017. “We have a passion and loyalty for the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands and look forward to opening our restaurants in the years to come,” said franchisee Anup Thakkar.

The Columbia and Jefferson City restaurants will be the first Dunkin’ Donuts chains in mid-Missouri.

Dunkin’ Donuts, which is based out of Canton, Mass., has more than 11,300 restaurants in 36 countries. Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., which also encompasses Baskin-Robbins. “Our secret to continued growth includes passionate franchisees who provide a high-level customer service to our guests every day,” said Grant Benson, vice president of global franchising and business development, in a press release provided by Dunkin’ Brands.

Brand Keys has listed Dunkin’ Donuts as the highest ranking brand for customer loyalty in the coffee category for the past nine years.