Dunkin' Brands Signs Exclusive Procurement & Distribution Agreement With Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee-Owned Cooperative

Canton, MA and Bellingham, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, and National DCP, LLC (NDCP), a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee-owned cooperative, today announced that they had signed a long-term, performance-based agreement for NDCP to be the exclusive supply chain provider for all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the continental United States.

The agreement, which was effective the first of the year upon the merger of the four existing regional franchisee-owned cooperatives into one national cooperative, offers numerous financial savings and service-improvement benefits to Dunkin’ franchisees, including:

• A long-term agreement with Dunkin’ Brands for the procurement and distribution of products;
• A more streamlined system that will provide significant future cost-efficiencies for the franchise community;
• A consolidated Cooperative board structure, and;
• Greater consistency in supply and distribution service levels to all U.S. restaurants.

For Dunkin’ Brands, the agreement allows the company to realize the benefits of a long-term, performance-based procurement and distribution agreement. Most importantly, the agreement supports the company’s domestic expansion plans by providing franchisees in new markets with the same product costs as franchisees in the more highly built-out, established Dunkin’ markets.  Uniform product costs will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2012.

“This agreement is a momentous one for Dunkin’ Brands and for existing, new and future Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees,” said Neil Moses, Dunkin’ Brands Chief Financial Officer. “In addition to securing our franchisees’ role in the Dunkin’ Donuts supply chain, it will result in significant cost savings, a higher level of service, and, in the near term, uniform product costs for franchisees across our domestic restaurant network.  This is a huge step forward toward our goal of continuing to drive store-level profitability in newer markets and accelerating the expansion of Dunkin’ Donuts across the U.S.”

With almost 7,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.S. today, the Company has said it has plans to more than double its current number of restaurants in the U.S. over the next 20 years.

Since the 1970s Dunkin’ Brands has utilized franchisee-owned regional distribution centers to supply products to its domestic Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees, but the costs of those supplies, historically, would vary depending on the concentration of restaurants and other distribution requirements.  Under the new agreement, uniform costs will eventually be charged across the core distribution area so franchisees in areas with fewer restaurants will not pay a premium compared to franchisees in areas with more stores. In return, the Dunkin’ Donut franchisee-owned cooperative will be assured that, provided they meet certain performance-based requirements, Dunkin’ Brands will use them as the sole procurement and distribution partner for domestic Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.

“We are excited to announce the formation of this new national entity and our long-term agreement with Dunkin’ Brands to be the exclusive supply chain provider for all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.S.,” said Kevin Bruce, NDCP Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission is to provide our members – the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees – with the very best purchasing and distribution service in the QSR industry, so that, in turn, they can provide Dunkin’ Donuts customers with great coffee, beverages, baked goods and snacks at a great value.”

About Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

With more than 16,500 points of distribution in nearly 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:DNKN) is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of 2011, Dunkin’ Brands’ nearly 100 percent franchised business model included more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and more than 6,400 Baskin-Robbins restaurants.  For the full-year 2010, the company had system-wide sales of approximately $7.7 billion. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

DDSMART better-for-you menu can help you keep your resolution to eat smarter in the New Year

Dunkin' Donuts Kicks Off The New Year With DDSMART Twitter Contest

Canton, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Does your New Year’s resolution involve making smart choices to help keep yourself running in 2012? If so, a new Dunkin’ Donuts DDSMART Twitter contest offers you a chance to win a $50 Dunkin’ Donuts Card – and perhaps inspire others – by sharing your goal for the year ahead.

To kick off 2012, Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, is inviting Americans to submit a tweet to @DunkinDonuts on Twitter, using the special hashtag #DDSMARTY, sharing one smart choice or way that will help keep themselves running in 2012. Beginning today and continuing through Friday, January 6, Dunkin’ Donuts will select one winner each day to receive a $50 Dunkin’ Donuts Card. For judging criteria and additional terms and conditions related to Dunkin’ Donuts’ #DDSMARTY contest, please visit: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/promotions/DDSMARTY_Twitter_Contest.html.

To help you eat better and keep running all year long, Dunkin’ Donuts’ DDSMART menu offers an array of choices for guests seeking better-for-you options without compromising taste, quality or value. Many of these food and beverages have fewer than 300 calories, including:

• Egg White Flatbread Sandwiches (280 calories) are available in either Veggie or Turkey Sausage varieties. Both are served on wholesome toasted multigrain flatbread.
• Wake-Up Wraps are perfect for value-conscious, on-the-go people who want a fast, freshly-prepared breakfast option in a smaller portion size and with fewer calories than the usual breakfast sandwich. Wake-Up Wraps are available in several varieties, including Egg White Veggie (150 calories), Egg White Turkey Sausage (150 calories), Egg & Cheese (180 calories) and Ham, Egg & Cheese (200 calories).
• Small Latte Lite has 80 calories and is made with skim milk and Splenda®.
• Freshly-brewed unsweetened Teas are all zero-calories.
• Freshly-brewed unsweetened medium Iced Tea has five calories.

All Dunkin’ Donuts’ DDSMART items meet at least one of the following criteria: 25% fewer calories; 25% less sugar, fat, saturated fat or sodium than comparable fare, and/or contain ingredients that are nutritionally beneficial.

According to Stan Frankenthaler, Dunkin’ Brands’ Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation, “Busy people are finding it harder than ever before to eat smart on-the-go. Our DDSMART menu makes it easy for people to eat better with great-tasting food and beverages that fit into anyone’s lifestyle, served fast and at a great value,” he said. “We remain committed to providing delicious menu choices to help keep people running all throughout the year, and look forward to Americans participating in our Twitter contest.”

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 10,000 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNKN). For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Contact

Jessica Gioglio
Dunkin’ Brands
781-737-5200
Jessica.Gioglio@dunkinbrands.com

Dunkin' Donuts Launches Holiday Gift Exchange to Benefit Vietnam Veterans of America

Pittsburgh, PA  (RestaurantNews.com)  ’Tis the season for giving and receiving.  And, those who receive a gift they don’t like can now feel good about exchanging it for something they do like:  Free coffee and donuts, while helping charity.   America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods today announced the “Great Dunkin’ Donut Holiday Gift Exchange*” to benefit the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.  The four-hour event will be held on Monday, December 26, between 8:00 a.m. and noon at all participating Pittsburgh area Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.

The public is encouraged to forgo hectic parking lots, crowded malls and long lines on the busiest day of the year for holiday returns.  “Instead, folks should take that new sweater, book or other unneeded gift to their local Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant where they can donate it to a good cause,” said Nick Spencer, Dunkin’ Donuts Pittsburgh Marketing Manager.  “In exchange, they’ll receive a free, freshly brewed medium-sized coffee and two great tasting donuts of their choice.”

All new gifts donated must be in original packaging and/or with tags and hold a minimum retail value of ten dollars.  All items collected will be donated to the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America to help further their mission to give aid to all of America’s veterans, not just those of a particular age group or war. By donating, citizens help generate funds to take care of the soldiers and service men and women who help keep America safe from harm.

*The Great Dunkin’ Donuts Holiday Gift Exchange is valid for one exchange, for one gift, for one customer.  To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).  Follow Dunkin’ Donuts Pittsburgh on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DunkinPgh.

Dunkin' Donuts Opens 10,000th Restaurant

Canton, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, today opened its 10,000th restaurant. The landmark 10,000th new restaurant is located in Xi’An, China. Several other Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants, which opened throughout the world over the past few days, vied for the honor of being the 10,000th location. These include three new locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as new restaurants in Bogota, Colombia and Kingsland, Ga.

Dunkin’ Donuts has more than 80 restaurants in Greater China. The newest restaurant in China, the 10th in Xi’An and 10,000th in the world, is being opened by franchisee Shannxi Stellerich Food & Restaurant Management Co., Ltd.  The opening of the 10,000th Dunkin’ Donuts location will be celebrated in Xi’An with much fanfare, including a grand opening ceremony complete with local dignitaries, a traditional Chinese lion dance and a jazz band.

“We are proud to have opened the world’s 10,000th Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in China, a country which we believe offers tremendous opportunity to both our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands,” said Nigel Travis, CEO of Dunkin’ Brands and President of Dunkin’ Donuts. “From its beginnings as a single restaurant in Quincy, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is today a global brand located in 32 countries around the world. Our geographic diversity is truly a testimony to the fact that customers everywhere, from China to Saudi Arabia, Colombia and Georgia, appreciate what Dunkin’ Donuts offers - high quality food and beverages served in a friendly, fast environment at a great value.”

During the first nine months of 2011, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, opened approximately 480 net new locations globally, including 230 net new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. Dunkin’ Brands has more than 16,500 restaurants in 56 countries and is one of the largest U.S. quick service restaurant (QSR) companies internationally by unit count.

Dunkin’ Donuts has maintained steady global growth over the past several years, opening new restaurants in the United States, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Russia, and Latin and South America.  Earlier this year, Dunkin’ Donuts announced an agreement to enter India and plans to open more than 500 restaurants in the country over the next 15 years. Last month, Dunkin’ Donuts surpassed 100 restaurants in Saudi Arabia.

“Because of our strong brand recognition, our differentiated products, innovative marketing and nearly 100 percent franchise business model, we believe Dunkin’ Donuts has significant growth opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad,” concluded Travis. “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of our 10,000th Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant, and look forward to many more openings to come both in existing and new markets around the world.”

For more information about Dunkin’ Donuts, please visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has 10,000 restaurants in 32 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNKN). For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Dunkin' Donuts Introduces Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Canton, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, is serving up a hot and hearty new sandwich to keep guests running all day. The new Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich features two slices of American cheese and one slice of white cheddar cheese melted between two pieces of thick-cut Texas Toast and served oven-toasted. Guests may customize the sandwich upon request by adding bacon or ham. The Texas Toast Grilled Cheese, available at participating restaurants nationwide, is Dunkin’ Donuts’ newest addition to its menu of portable sandwiches made to order and available all day long.

“The Texas Toast Grilled Cheese represents a traditional favorite with a brand new twist: classic grilled cheese with hearty Texas Toast,” said Stan Frankenthaler, Dunkin’ Brands’ Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation. “Texas Toast has been extremely popular with our guests ever since we introduced it in our restaurants earlier this year. We are excited to offer it in a new sandwich to satisfy guests seeking fresh and filling snacks on the go.”

In addition to the new Texas Toast Grilled Cheese, this month Dunkin’ Donuts is also offering special holiday donuts, perfect for parties or a quick, affordable treat during shopping, decorating and all your favorite seasonal activities. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Sprinkle the Cheer Donut is a yeast ring donut with red icing and holly berry sprinkles, while the Holiday Star Donut is a star-shaped donut with vanilla icing, filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with silver nonpareils. Available for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide, the donuts are a delicious accompaniment to any of Dunkin’s delicious seasonally-flavored hot and iced coffees and lattes.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNKN). For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Restaurants Offer Special Holiday Treats and Menus for the Season

The holiday season brings joy and reunions with family members, but it can also be stressful. Trying to find time to cook dinner after a long day of gift shopping or eating well while picking up a Christmas tree or decorating the house becomes a big challenge for most people. Enjoy some limited time dishes by visiting one of the many national restaurant chains offering a special menu, beverage or treat to celebrate the holidays. Some restaurants are offering take-out options that are perfect for making your big party or dinner plans easier to carry out.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is getting in the spirit by offering their special HoliDaily promotion. The campaign includes discounts on many menu items and a daily free item including children’s meals, appetizers or desserts. To redeem these free offers, guests will need to visit the Chili’s website to download and print a coupon or become a fan of the company’s Facebook page. The convenient Email Club will deliver each week’s best deals directly to your email account if you sign up for it.

• Send us your restaurant’s holiday offerings!

The French-inspired Mimi’s Cafe is celebrating with Mimi’s For the Holidays, a program with carry-out options, giveaways and gift card deals. Each purchase of a $25 gift card at the chain will award the  buyer with a $5 gift card of their own. A complete Holiday Feast To Go is also available and comes with a whole turkey, cornbread stuffing, whipped sweet potatoes and other classic side dishes. The meal feeds six to eight people and costs only $79.99. Guests who prefer to cook their own bird can pick up individual side dishes to save time. Diners can also enter in the contest to win a trip to Paris or one of many valuable gift cards by entering in store or on the chain’s website.

Denny’s is serving up a whole new menu of holiday themed items for diners in a hurry. The classic Holiday Turkey Dinner plate comes with roasted turkey breast covered in giblet gravy, and surrounded with green beans, cornbread stuffing and mashed potatoes. The Holiday Turkey Melt combines these flavors in a grilled sandwich with toasted bread and a side of french fries. For diners with a sweet tooth, choose from the Christmas Cookie pancakes, Red Velvet pancake puppies and Milk and Cookies milkshake.

Boston Market has been making the holidays easier on busy families for over two decades, and this year will be no exception. With rising food costs, it is expected that a full holiday dinner made from scratch will cost over $12 per person. The complete meals offered by Boston Market come pre-cooked and ready to eat and cost under $6 per person. Items included in these meals include spiral cut ham, roasted turkey, pumpkin and apple pies, cornbread stuffing and beef brisket.

For shoppers who just need a warm drink to keep them going through a gift buying spree, there are a number of chains offering special holiday themed beverage options. The Tim Hortons coffee shop company is introducing a new Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate that combines the mint flavors of a candy cane with the sweet and creamy taste of white chocolate. Each cup is topped with whipped cream and special crushed candy cane sprinkles. McDonald’s is also expanding their hot drink selection as part of the McCafe brand. The Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate drinks will be available through the beginning of the new year. The Mocha includes a light peppermint flavor with dark chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Consumers in cities like Atlanta, Denver and San Francisco had a chance to sample the beverages for free throughout November.

Starbucks is making their red holiday cups interactive with a new mobile app that displays animations based on the characters found on the cup. They’re also bringing back all of their classic holiday drinks, including the Eggnog Latte, the Gingerbread Latte and the Peppermint Mocha. Some of the beverages that Dunkin’ Donuts is adding to the menu this year will become permanent additions. The Mint Hot Chocolate will be available year round now that it has debuted for the season, but the rest of the line up is available for a limited time only. These drinks include the Cinnamon Swirl Latte and Gingerbread iced coffee.

There are over a dozen other chains that won’t be releasing a whole menu of seasonally themed dishes, but will feature at least one special treat. The peppermint Pinkberry frozen yogurt comes topped with crushed peppermint bark, while TCBY is offering eggnog flavored frozen yogurt treats and Red Mango has the Cinnamon Apple Orchard flavor. Yogurt Mountain has four new frozen yogurt flavors that include Gingerbread Cookie and Candy Cane. Friendly’s has both Gingerbread ice cream and the classic Jubilee Roll. Joining the rest of the cheesecake flavors at the Cheesecake Factory is the Peppermint Bark Cheesecake, and Chick-fil-A brought out the pink Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake as well.

The Krispy Kreme holiday donuts are topped with festive sprinkles over rich red velvet or chocolate cake. Hotcakes at IHOP have all the familiar peppermint and eggnog flavors of this time of the year, and Tim Hortons has brought out new donut flavors to match their drinks. Steak ‘n Shake has White Chocolate and Eggnog hand-blended milkshakes on their limited time menu, or visit the California Pizza Kitchen for Pumpkin Cheescake and try the Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Cake from Dairy Queen.

• Send us your restaurant’s holiday offerings!

Dunkin' Brands Announces 25 New Dunkin' Donuts and Two Baskin-Robbins Locations in Louisiana

Canton, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced it has signed agreements to develop 25 new Dunkin’ Donuts and two Baskin-Robbins in Louisiana over the next several years.

Locations targeted for development include the following:

• Three Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants will be developed in Baton Rouge by AJP Company.  The first location will open in 2012, with the remaining two units to be completed by 2014.
• Nice Foods Limited, LLC plans to open eight Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Baton Rouge.  One restaurant will open in 2012 and the remaining seven will open by 2018.
• Southwest Investment Group, LLC plans to open ten Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Shreveport between 2012 and 2018.
• Kenny Bordes and Thomas Hubert will open four Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in New Orleans by 2016.
• In 2012, existing franchisee, Mike Jolly, plans to open his second Baskin-Robbins in New Orleans.
• Existing franchisees Jagdish Chawla and Adil Sequira plans to open their second Baskin-Robbins in New Orleans next year.

“The state of Louisiana has been a priority growth market  for Dunkin’ Brands in 2011 and we’re excited to expand our footprint in Baton Rouge, Shreveport and New Orleans,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.  “Our continued growth would not be possible without our passionate franchisees, who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day, and we’re confident these groups will cultivate lasting relationships and become an integral part of their respective communities.”

In addition to the development agreements mentioned above, Dunkin’ Donuts is seeking new and existing franchisees to develop restaurants throughout Louisiana, specifically in New Orleans, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Monroe and Alexandria.

“Jefferson Parish wholeheartedly supports Dunkin Donuts’ efforts to expand,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young.  “We are excited about the announcement to open four new locations in Jefferson Parish, and other restaurants throughout the state of Louisiana. It is a testament to the strength of our local economy.”

For information on franchise opportunities with Dunkin’ Donuts or to attend an upcoming webinar, please visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.

About Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

With more than 16,000 points of distribution in 56 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hardserve ice cream. At the end of 2010, Dunkin’ Brands’ nearly 100 percent franchised business model included 9,760 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and 6,433 Baskin-Robbins restaurants, and the company had system-wide sales of approximately $7.7 billion. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass. The Company’s website is located at www.dunkinbrands.com.

Contact

Jenna Kantrowitz
Fish Consulting
646-454-9708
jkantrowitz@fish-consulting.com

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. Announces Pricing of Secondary Offering

Canton, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced the offering by certain of its stockholders of 22 million shares of its common stock at a price of $25.62 per share. In addition, the underwriters have been granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3.3 million shares from certain of the selling stockholders.

The selling stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from this offering.  No shares are being sold by the Company.

The offering is being made through an underwriting group led by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and BofA Merrill Lynch. Acting as co-managers are Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Moelis & Company LLC, SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited, Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc., and The Williams Capital Group, L.P.

The offering of these securities is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, a copy of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained by contacting: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave., Edgewood, NY 11717 (Tel: 866-803-9204); Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave., Edgewood, NY 11717, (Tel: 888-603-5847), Email: barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com; Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014 (Tel: 866-718-1649), Email: prospectus@morganstanley.com; or BofA Merrill Lynch, Attn: Prospectus Department, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, Email: dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

With more than 16,500 points of distribution in 56 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:DNKN) is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hardserve ice cream. At the end of 2010, Dunkin’ Brands’ nearly 100 percent franchised business model included 9,760 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and 6,433 Baskin-Robbins restaurants, and the company had system-wide sales of approximately $7.7 billion. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

Media Contact(s):

Karen Raskopf (Media)
SVP, Corporate Communications
Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
karen.raskopf@dunkinbrands.com
781-737-5200

Michelle King (Media)
Director, Global Public Relations
Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
michelle.king@dunkinbrands.com
781-737-5200

Investor Relations:

Stacey Caravella (Investors)
Director, Investor Relations
Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
stacey.caravella@dunkinbrands.com
781-737-3200

Restaurant News Bites: Golden Corral, Corner Bakery Cafe, Whataburger

Golden Corral restaurants located in Central Florida, owned by franchisee Eric Holm, are preparing to serve over 25,000  free meals to the community this Thanksgiving. In partnership with the Salvation Army, Holm’s restaurants have been serving free holiday meals for the past few years. Last year it was awarded the title of “Florida’s Largest Community Thanksgiving Meal”.

New research from the National Restaurant Association shows that 75% of diners are looking for restaurants that support veteran’s charities as Veteran’s Day passes. 10% of all restaurants in the country are at least half owned by a veteran. This is due to the discounts and extra help many franchises offer to people with a military background.

The Corner Bakery Cafe brand is moving into Northern California with the signing of an agreement for 32 new franchise locations. Buon Hospitality will open the over 30 restaurants in the Greater Bay Area over a period of seven years. The first will open early next year and the region ranges from San Jose to Napa Valley.

Smashburger held its annual franchisee conference recently in Denver and awarded the best performing stores and businesses in its system. SunWest Burger in Phoenix, Arizona won the Franchisee of the Year award for exemplifying the Smashburger brand. The four locations owned by BIGG Capital Holdings secured the Operator of the Year award.

Whataburger may be famous for their 36,000 plus configurations for eating their classic burgers, but now their menu offers even more options. Healthy menu items like apple slices, whole grain buns and side salad became available nationally on November 7^th. Customers can visit the company’s website to find out exact nutritional information.

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, parent company of chains like Double Eagle Steakhouse and Del Frisco’s Grill, now has a new chief financial officer. Tom Pennison has been in the finance management industry for over two decades. He also worked for the restaurant chain Ruth’s Hospitality Group that owns Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Dunkin’ Donuts is increasing its offerings of hearty, savory breakfast items with the new Smokehouse Sausage sandwich. Featuring smoked sausage from Hillshire Farms, the sandwich includes a toasted English muffin filled with cheese and scrambled eggs. Other options include the croissants, muffins and donuts offered by the chain.

Cracker Barrel is offering a special limited edition run of its popular Peg Game to support veterans this year. The patriotic red, white and blue game will raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The company will donate $1 from the sale of each game until November 30^th.

Jersey City’s Newport Centre Mall now offers a new Johnny Rockets restaurant for visitors to dine at. This is the mall’s first full-sized restaurant offering table service. The official grand opening kicks off on November 10^th but will be followed with three extra days of celebrations, giveaways and live entertainment.

Dunkin' Donuts Signs 12 Restaurant Deal for Des Moines, Iowa

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods, has announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with father and son team, Jim and Drew Cownie for 12 new restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.  The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 and the remainder by 2018.  Jim and Drew Cownie are Des Moines natives and well respected business leaders in the market with a long track record of success.

“We are excited to bring Dunkin’ Donuts to Des Moines and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here,” said Drew Cownie, President and CEO, Sip, Sip Bite, LLC. “We have a passion and loyalty for the brand and look forward to the opening of our restaurants in the years to come.”

The Cownies secured a partnership with Knapp Properties of Des Moines to find their initial locations. Sip, Sip Bite, LLC is currently hiring and those interested should send a resume to jobs@sipsipbite.com.

Franchise opportunities are still available in Iowa, specifically in Sioux City, Ottawa and Des Moines as well as in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. To drive its expansion efforts, Dunkin’ Donuts has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets.  As a result, the company continues to expand with single and multi-unit opportunities with no minimum unit requirements.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is excited to expand into Des Moines,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day.  We believe the Cownies will cultivate lasting customer relationships in the Des Moines area and become an integral part of the community.”

Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Dunkin’ Donuts to invest in a distribution model that provides a consistent, high-quality product guests expect “in the way and on the way” of their daily routines.  In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments.

Historically a doughnut and hot coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts has expanded its offering to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. The platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’ Donuts’ product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003.

For information on franchise opportunities or to attend an upcoming webinar, please visit www.dunkinfranchising.com.