CANTON, MA, US – Dunkin’ has announced the signing of store development agreements across Texas with new franchisee Priceless Coffee, Inc. and existing franchisee Gratitude Restaurant Group, Inc. Each franchise group will open 10 new Dunkin’ restaurants throughout Dallas and four multi-brand locations with Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Additionally, returning franchisees, Jamal and Claudia Awale, have purchased five existing Dunkin’ restaurants and plan to develop six new locations across Houston.
Each franchisee brings more than three decades of multi-unit franchising and restaurant operations experience to their Dunkin’ developments, including:
- Priceless Coffee, Inc., owned by Syed Ahmad, is a new Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins franchisee, who brings more than 30 years of multi-unit franchise operations experience with QSR brands.
- Gratitude Restaurant Group, Inc., owned by Rishad Rajabali, brings more than 30 years of franchise operations experience as an existing Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins franchisee, who operates nearly 30 Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins locations in Chicago, IL, as well as Dallas and San Antonio, TX.
- Awale TX Enterprises LLC, owned by the Awales of Houston, have previous experience in Dunkin’ franchising with more than three decades of restaurant management under their belt.
“Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins’ growth would not be possible without the introduction of new franchisees to the system, coupled with dedicated existing franchisees, which demonstrates their high confidence in our brands and world-class support team,” said Grant Benson, CFE, Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development, Inspire Brands. “Our hardworking and dedicated franchisees bring the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins brands, products, and promotions to life each and every day and have been essential to our growth over the years, especially across key markets such as Texas, which has solidified our position as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry.”
There are currently more than 170 Dhunkin’ restaurants and over 100 Baskin-Robbins shops located in Texas, and the company is continuing to recruit franchisees in the surrounding areas of Austin and San Antonio. To help fuel additional growth in the market, special development incentives are available.
In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ offers flexible concepts for any real estate format, including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, and universities, as well as other retail environments. Additionally, multi-brand restaurants that combine Dunkin’ with Baskin-Robbins under one roof offer even more opportunity to drive traffic during various day parts — from early morning breakfast and coffee to after-dinner ice cream treats.
In 2018, the brand opened the first iteration of its Next Gen restaurant, designed to cater to the on-the-go customer, and leveraging innovative in-store technology and design elements to stay modern and relevant with guests. The Next Gen store design emphasizes unparalleled speed and convenience, while offering advanced in-store technology such as digital kiosks and contactless ordering to serve customers in the safest and quickest way possible.
