Randolph, Mass. (May 13, 2004) - Wal-Mart and Dunkin' Donuts, the world's largest coffee-and-baked goods chain, announced today the opening of the first Dunkin' Donuts shop within a Wal-Mart store. The store-within-a-Wal-Mart concept will celebrate its grand opening Friday, May 14, in North Windham, Connecticut. The brands announced plans to open ten stores in the next three months in Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
"We are thrilled with this announcement. Both Dunkin' Donuts and Wal-Mart place the highest priority on bringing value and convenience to our customers," said Jon Luther, chief executive officer, Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants, home of Dunkin' Donuts. "Wal-Mart and Dunkin' Donuts share the same mainstream American customer base. We understand the needs of our customers for speed, convenience, and quality whether they are stopping for a coffee or shopping for retail items."
Prominently positioned in the front of each Wal-Mart, the in-store Dunkin' Donuts shops will look and feel just like a neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts store. Each shop will offer a full menu, complete with Dunkin' Donuts' legendary hot coffee, recently named Best Coffee in America on NBC's "Today" Show. The menu will also include lattes, cappuccinos, breakfast sandwiches and, of course, donuts. Shoppers and Wal-Mart associates will be able to take a break in a comfortable restaurant environment.
For an added treat, some of the Dunkin' Donuts stores will also feature ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, a sister ADQSR brand. Shoppers will also have the option to pre-pay for certain Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins menu items at the Wal-Mart registers, along with the rest of their purchases, and have these items ready for pick up at the in-store Dunkin' Donuts shop to take home or to enjoy in the store.
The Dunkin' Donuts and combined Baskin-Robbins will be owned and operated by franchisees and located in markets where Dunkin' Donuts enjoys a strong retail presence. The next in-store shops will open in Walpole, Massachusetts and Monaca, Pennsylvania within a month.
About Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants
Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants franchises nearly 11,000 Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and Togo's stores worldwide. With over 143 years of combined franchising experience, the company's mission is to thrill customers, enrich stakeholders, and build powerful brands. Headquartered in Randolph, Massachusetts, ADQSR is part of Allied Domecq PLC (NYSE:AED), a global business in spirits, wines, and quick service restaurants. More information can be found on Allied Domecq QSR's Web site, www.ADQSR.com or at www.dunkindonuts.com.
