CANTON, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Donuts is in the midst of streamlining its menu by about 10% with a goal of becoming an on-the-go, beverage-first establishment. “We had more food items on our menu than McDonald’s, and more beverage items on our menu than Starbucks,” said Dunkin’ COO Scott Murphy in a recent earnings call.
So it's all the more interesting that the Canton, Mass.-based chain has announced several new items and limited-time offers (LTOs) joining the abbreviated menu.
Here's a look at what's sprouting up at the quick-service resaurant this spring ...
Dunkin’ is shifting its attention to breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches and beverages. As part of this renewed focus, the brand will add a Brown Sugar Chipotle Bacon Breakfast Sandwich in mid-March. "We are constantly evolving our menu to bring our guests exciting new food options that pair perfectly with our signature coffee," said Tony Weisman, chief marketing officer for Dunkin' Donuts U.S., in a release. "The new Brown Sugar Chipotle Bacon Breakfast Sandwich features seasoned bacon that combines the sweetness of rich brown sugar with a touch of heat."
The Brown Sugar Chipotle Bacon Breakfast Sandwich builds on the chain’s success of other seasoned bacon offerings, such as its Sweet Black Pepper Bacon and Maple Sugar Bacon. The new menu item combines caramelized brown sugar and chipotle-seasoned bacon with egg and cheese on a croissant.
The Double Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, "a new twist on a classic breakfast sandwich," according to Weisman, plays to consumers’ value perception with a double portion of sausage, egg and cheese on a toasted bagel.
In a tip of the hat to St. Patrick’s Day, Dunkin’s LTO Mint Brownie Donut is filled with mint brownie-batter-flavored buttercream. To enhance the theme, the pastries are topped with green icing and brownie crumbles.
The Spring Fling Donut is an LTO featuring purple icing and flower sprinkles. Its Munchkin counterpart is cold-dipped and rolled in sprinkles.
Dunkin’ is partnering with the Girl Scouts of the USA to launch three limited-time coffee flavors. The chain announced the Thin Mints, Coconut Caramel and Peanut Butter Cookie coffee flavors via a Facebook Live event in Savannah, Ga., where the female leadership development organization began.
The timing of the LTO also corresponds with National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Feb. 23-25. Some Dunkin’ units will invite local troops to sell cookies in their stores through March 18.
"Our guests have come to expect and enjoy fun, innovative flavors from us, and what could elicit more smiles than the iconic taste of Girl Scout Cookie-inspired flavors in your favorite Dunkin' Donuts coffee?” said Patty Healy, senior director of integrated marketing, Dunkin' Donuts, in a release. “It's a natural fit and a powerful combination. We are especially proud that our franchisees, many of whom are small business owners themselves, are committed to fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of the Girl Scouts by welcoming local troops to sell cookies at their restaurants."
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