Dunkin’ dropped the “Donuts” in its name this fall to position itself as a beverage-first retailer. The coffee purveyor’s new “DD” prototype features a streamlined design for quick, convenient transactions. Dunkin’ loyalty members can order through the brand’s app and head straight for a designated pickup station. The concept also puts beverages at the front and center of the store. A new tap system pours eight cold-prep drinks, such as iced tea, cold brew and nitro-infused cold brew.
After expanding into travel centers in 2017, the Canton, Mass.-based chain backed out of several scaled-down and self-service units. The move could signal fewer partnerships with c-stores and travel centers. “While nontraditional sites will continue to play an important strategic role for Dunkin’, we are going to be more selective in the types of units we pursue,” said Dave Hoffmann, president of Dunkin’s U.S. operations and CEO of its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.