Dunkin' Donuts

By Jonathan Maze on May 31, 2022

The venerable chain has already evolved from a doughnut into a beverage chain. Its more recent success has come from colder beverages and menu items aimed at younger consumers.

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Financing

More franchises should operate their own restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 27, 2022

The Bottom Line: Companies quickly abandon operations in favor of selling them to franchisees. But keeping some locations can be better in the long run.

Financing

Inspire Brands CEO Paul Brown is in no hurry to make another acquisition

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 11, 2022

The cofounder of the Dunkin’ and Arby’s owner also tempered expectations for an initial public offering, at least right now.

Leadership

Inspire Brands names Frank Sickelsmith chief development officer

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 08, 2022

The owner of Arby’s, Sonic and Dunkin’ is bringing in the former Autogrill executive to help speed its international growth.

Marketing

Chains hope to score big with Final Four activations

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 30, 2022

Marketing Bites: Wendy’s tries a Twitter-activated vending machine; Pizza Hut drives the Struggle Bus; Dunkin’ gets into makeup, and more marketing news of the week.

Operations

Arby’s owner Inspire Brands had record sales in 2021

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 25, 2022

The restaurant group generated $30 billion last year, a double-digit increase, and each of its six brands set growth records of their own.

Marketing

Marketing Bites: Chicago indies band together on dining promo

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 16, 2022

Plus, Dunkin’ gets in on the NCAA athlete partnership action, McDonald’s teases the annual return of its minty-green treat, and more.

Financing

Dunkin’ buys 31 restaurants, and plans to keep them

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 08, 2022

The traditional franchise has acquired some restaurants in Ohio, following parent Inspire Brands’ strategy for brands to own some locations. But it will remain “asset-light.”

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Food