Dunkin' Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here's Why (2024)

Home Food News Restaurants

Dunkin' Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here's Why (1)

ByKrista Garcia

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Nov. 10, 2023

    Dunkin' Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here's Why (2)JStone/Shutterstock

    800 Dunkin' locations are getting the boot by the end of the year—here's what we know.

    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 350more 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.

    1 / 22

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Swedish Doughnuts

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Microwave Egg Sandwich

    Taste of Home

    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

    Inspired by: Everything BagelWho has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Get Our Recipe for Honey Bagels

    Favorite Hot Chocolate Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Hot Chocolate You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. The comforting beverage is smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for a cozy chilly night. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, Indiana

    Get Our Recipe for Favorite Hot Chocolate

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Glazed DonutThe 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

    Get Our Recipe for Glazed Doughnuts

    Inspired by: Oatmeal with Dried Fruit ToppingThere’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California

    Get Our Recipe for Raisin Nut Oatmeal

    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 co*cktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

    Get Our Recipe for Hazelnut Coffee

    Taste of Home

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Italian Sausage Breakfast Wraps

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: English Muffin When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho

    Get Our Recipe for Wonderful English Muffins

    Inspired by: Strawberry CoolattaColorful 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

    Get Our Recipe for Sensational Slush

    Inspired by: Vanilla Frosted Donut

    Taste of Home

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Slow Cooker Chai Tea

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Blueberry MuffinThese pretty golden muffins are moist, flavorful and even good for you! Pair one with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a cold winter day for a comforting break. —Jean Howard, Hopkinton, Massachusetts

    Get Our Recipe for Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins

    Inspired by: Sausage, Egg & Cheese on a Croissant

    Taste of Home

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Delicious Potato Doughnuts

    Inspired by: Hot Chocolate with French Vanilla and Toasted Almond Flavor Shots Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee

    Get Our Recipe for Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa

    Inspired by: Coffee Cake MuffinBack when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario

    Get Our Recipe for Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

    Inspired by: Powdered MunchkinsEnjoy breakfast the New Orleans way with these warm, crispy bites. Topped with powdered sugar, they are a delight! —Lois Rutherford, Elkton, Florida

    Get Our Recipe for Brunch Beignets

    Taste of Home

    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 of Home Community Member

    Get Our Recipe for Smooth Sweet Tea

    Jelly Doughnuts Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Get Our Recipe for Jelly Doughnuts

    This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.—Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts

    Originally Published: August 03, 2020

    Author

    Krista Garcia

    Krista is a writer, blogger and content creator specializing in food and travel, plus digital commerce and the retail industry. A self-proclaimed cat lady and lover of unnaturally colored food, she’s now based in Portland, Oregon, after a long time in NYC.

    Read More

    Dunkin' Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here's Why (23)

    Dunkin' Is Permanently Closing 800 of Its Locations—Here's Why (2024)

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5528

    Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

    Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

    Birthday: 1996-05-19

    Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

    Phone: +5983010455207

    Job: Legacy Representative

    Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

    Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.