Dunkin’ hits 'Next Gen' store milestone; new locations in the works

Dunkin’ continues to roll out its updated “Next Gen” store format.

The company has opened its 1,000th Next Gen restaurant, in Woodstock, Ga. The opening comes about three years after Dunkin’ first unveiled the concept, in Quincy, Mass. 

More Next Gen Dunkin’ sites are also opening, including new locations in Mira Mesa, Calif.; Trumbull, Conn; Bridgman, Minn.; and Las Vegas. There are Next Gen remodels in the pipeline as well, a Dunkin’ spokesperson told Chain Store Age. 

“Given the size of our existing asset base, we will be in the conversion process over a number of years,” the spokesperson added. “We are transforming our restaurants at a healthy pace, both with new store growth and remodels.” (Dunkin’ operates more than 9,000 U.S. locations.)

The Next Gen format features an open, modern design, with colors and materials that help make for an inviting and energetic environment. Front-facing bakery cases allows customers a closer look at Dunkin’s signature baked goods.

The format is also designed to meet the needs of today’s busy, on-the-go customers. It features a dedicated mobile order pick-up area so that customers who order ahead via the Dunkin’ App can get in and out of the restaurant fast. Customers can also track the status of their mobile order placed for in-store pick-up via an in-store digital order status board. Select Next Gen locations feature a dedicated drive-thru lane for mobile order pick-ups.

In addition, Next Gen restaurants are designed to meet Dunkin’ “Green Achievement” specifications. Stores that achieve the ranking are built with sustainable and efficient elements such as LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical equipment, low-flow faucets and more. According to the company, these restaurants are performing better than designed. On average, they are 33% more energy efficient compared to conventional Dunkin' restaurants.