Dunkin’ comes again to main market after 12-year absence

Greater than a decade after exiting a market the place it as soon as operated 18 areas, Dunkin’ is seeking to reopen a chapter that ended following a contentious franchise dispute.

The espresso and donut chain has been pursuing new progress alternatives because it expands its footprint within the U.S. and internationally, together with current strikes into markets the place it beforehand operated.

Based in 1950, Dunkin’ is the most important espresso and donuts model within the U.S., with greater than 14,200 eating places in almost 40 international markets. The chain grew to become a part of Encourage Manufacturers in 2020, becoming a member of a portfolio that additionally contains Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, and Sonic.

Dunkin’ returns to Puerto Rico after 12 years

Dunkin’ is coming again to Puerto Rico in 2027 via a brand new partnership with Fusion Restaurant Group, a Puerto Rico-based restaurant operator that can lead the model’s enlargement throughout the island. The primary areas are anticipated to start opening in 2027.

Beneath the unique growth and working settlement, Fusion Restaurant Group will oversee Dunkin’s progress throughout Puerto Rico and convey the chain’s espresso, iced drinks, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and different menu choices again to customers on the island.

Encourage Manufacturers President and Managing Director, Worldwide, Michael Haley, mentioned Dunkin’s worldwide technique focuses on working with skilled operators who perceive their native communities.

“Puerto Rico represents a compelling alternative to increase Dunkin’s presence in a market the place the model already enjoys robust consciousness and affinity,” Haley mentioned within the firm announcement.

“Reconnecting longtime followers with the model whereas introducing a new technology of friends to what makes Dunkin’ particular.”

Fusion Restaurant Group CEO Mario J. Gaztambide mentioned the corporate expects the model’s current recognition amongst Puerto Rican customers to assist help its return.

Extra particulars about restaurant areas and future openings will probably be introduced as enlargement progresses.

Why Dunkin’ exited the Puerto Rico market

Dunkin’ beforehand operated in Puerto Rico from 2001 till 2014, when all 18 areas on the island had been closed following the termination of its franchise settlement with Wometco Donas Inc.

Earlier in 2014, Dunkin’ filed a lawsuit in opposition to Wometco Donas Inc. and Wometco Donas Puerto Rico Inc., alleging breach of contract, trademark infringement, unfair competitors, and commerce gown infringement, in addition to roughly $196,000 in unpaid royalties and renewal charges.

The case sought to forestall the continued operation of the 18 Dunkin’ franchises with out the corporate’s permission.

Dunkin’ finally obtained a judicial annulment of the contract, and the 18 areas ceased operations in October 2014, bringing its 13-year presence in Puerto Rico to a detailed.

The deliberate return offers Dunkin’ a possibility to rebuild its presence in a market the place it says the model nonetheless has robust consciousness and affinity.

Dunkin’ enlargement plans

Dunkin’ has been accelerating its enlargement over the previous couple of years, reaching its 10,000th U.S. location in October 2025.

“At present, we’re not simply celebrating this opening – we’re recognizing the friends who energize us to energy ahead, and the staff members and franchisees who make it occur,” Encourage Chief Model Officer and Dunkin’ President Scott Murphy mentioned in a firm announcement on the time.

“As we sit up for the subsequent 10,000 eating places, the momentum behind this model has by no means been stronger. It feels good to be Dunkin’.”

Extra quick meals:

The Puerto Rico enlargement comes as Dunkin’ continues to pursue worldwide progress. In Might 2026, the corporate introduced its return to Canada via a grasp franchising settlement with Canadian restaurant operator Foodtastic. The primary areas are anticipated to open in late 2026 or early 2027.

The corporate can be going through a change in one other worldwide market. In April 2026, the India-based meals service firm Jubilant FoodWorks introduced that it will not renew its Dunkin’ franchise settlement when it expires on December 31, 2026.

Jubilant FoodWorks at the moment operates Dunkin’ areas in India, and the businesses are anticipated to find out the subsequent steps for these eating places because the franchise settlement approaches expiration.

Taken collectively, Dunkin’s strikes in Puerto Rico, Canada, and India spotlight a global technique targeted not solely on coming into new markets but in addition on reshaping its franchise relationships to pursue further progress alternatives.

Associated: Dunkin’ may exit a whole market in 2026 after 14 years

This story was initially revealed by TheStreet on Aug 28, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Eating places part. Add TheStreet as a Most well-liked Supply by clicking right here.