When Independent Joe reached out to industry-watchers to get their reaction to the Inspire Brands $11 billion purchase of Dunkin’, we heard terms like “stratospheric” and “through the roof” used to describe the $106.50 per share price Inspire agreed to pay for the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins flag. Jonathan Maze, editor of Restaurant Business magazine, put…
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Presidents and presidential candidates come and go, with this year’s election no different than many others in our country’s history in that regard. But many of the issues Dunkin’ franchise owners care about are not solely or even principally determined in Washington, D.C. Rather, state lawmakers and their counterparts on the local level – city…
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While the coronavirus pandemic has changed many things in our daily lives, it has not had much of a jolt on coffee consumption. In fact, our collective thirst for coffee is only expected to grow next year. For Dunkin’ franchisees, that is just the kind of reassurance they need after a uniquely challenging year and…
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Steve Catalano applies lessons learned over three decades in the Dunkin’ system After 30 years in the business, it’s safe to say that Steve Catalano knows a thing or two about donuts and Dunkin’. He started baking donuts at a Mister Donut owned by his father, Frank Catalano, at night while attending Westfield State University,…
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It’s easy to typecast the Dunkin’ customer as a blue-collar, regular joe, who cares about basic coffee and donuts. It’s especially easy when comparing Dunkin’ to Starbucks. But, Dunkin’ has consistently shown its willingness to shake up the menu and give customers a chance to sample healthier alternatives. Consider the veggie egg-white flatbread, or the…
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New book by Robert Rosenberg, son of the founder, highlights Dunkin’ Donuts’ early growth After a 35-year career devoted to the restaurant industry, it’s only fitting that Robert Rosenberg, describes his new book as “…a buffet.” “There’s something for everyone, from the hopeful entrepreneur, to the company that’s scaling, to the large company with a…
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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought small business numerous challenges. We can now add another to the list: Employees filing increasing numbers of COVID-19 related lawsuits. In fact, according to the Fisher Phillips Employment Litigation Tracker, as of November 1, COVID-19 related lawsuits have been filed against 950 employers. The highest number of lawsuits were filed…
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Smack in the middle of the COVID-challenged 2020 NFL season, Inspire Brands sealed the deal to acquire Dunkin’ Brands International for the phenomenal price of $11.3 billion. Congratulations to all the players on these two (soon to be one) teams. A new owner is taking over an established and successful franchised brand. What could possibly…
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The last five months have been a trying time for Dunkin’ franchise owners and quick-service restaurants across the country. Now operators face a new threat to their bottom lines: cash-hungry city and state governments. Facing huge budget deficits in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – and the harsh blow it has delivered to the…
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As job requirements go, these are unusual by most standards. Candidates must complete a rigorous six to 18 month-long training program, possess the skill and experience to spread joy wherever they go and, yes, have a wagging tail. That’s just some of what it takes to become a service dog for the Dunkin’ Joy in…
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