Dunkin’ Donuts, the well-loved, go-to spot for coffee and donuts for many Americans, surprisingly has no presence in certain parts of the United States. This article will explore which U.S. states and territories do not have Dunkin’ Donuts locations and why, as well as how this impacts consumers in those regions.
As of 2023, the U.S. states that do not have any Dunkin’ Donuts locations include Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oregon. Additionally, the territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands also do not have any Dunkin’ Donuts locations.
States and Territories Without Dunkin’ Donuts
As of 2023, there are several states and territories in the United States that do not have any Dunkin’ Donuts locations. These include:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Oregon
The following territories also do not have any Dunkin’ Donuts locations:
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Guam
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
In total, there are 11 states and territories without Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the United States.
Reasons for Dunkin’ Donuts’ Absence
One of the primary reasons for Dunkin’ Donuts’ absence in these states is the presence of strong competition from local coffee chains. For instance, in Minnesota, the market is dominated by local coffee chains like Caribou Coffee and Dunn Brothers. Established competition can deter big-name chains from entering the market.
Dunkin’ Donuts Vs. Other Major Fast-Food Chains
In comparison to other major fast-food chains, Dunkin’ Donuts has approximately 11,300 stores worldwide, while McDonald’s has over 38,000 stores, and Starbucks has over 28,209 locations. Less than 4% of Dunkin’ Donuts’ overall Q1 2018 sales, which totaled $139.9 million, came from its overseas operations.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Expansion History
Dunkin’ Donuts was founded by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1950. The first franchised restaurant opened in Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1955. By 1963, the 100th Dunkin’ Donuts location opened, and the first overseas store in Japan opened in 1970.
Impact on Consumers’ Behavior
The lack of Dunkin’ Donuts in certain states leads to a shift in consumer preferences towards alternative brands or local coffee shops and bakeries. The absence of Dunkin’ Donuts may affect the convenience factor for consumers who rely on the brand for quick and affordable on-the-go meals and beverages.
Alternatives to Dunkin’ Donuts
Some popular alternatives to Dunkin’ Donuts include Starbucks, which offers a more premium brand and a wider range of food and beverage options, and McDonald’s, which offers affordable coffee and breakfast options, targeting a similar demographic as Dunkin’ Donuts.
Other Popular Coffee Chains
Apart from Starbucks and Dunkin’, there are several other popular coffee chains across the country such as Dutch Bros. Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, Caribou Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Biggby Coffee, and La Colombe.
Conclusion
While Dunkin’ Donuts remains a popular choice for many Americans, its absence in certain states and territories has paved the way for other chains and local coffee shops to fill the gap. Whether Dunkin’ Donuts will expand into these areas in the future remains to be seen. However, the current landscape provides a diverse range of options for coffee lovers in these regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular menu item at Dunkin’ Donuts?
The most popular menu item at Dunkin’ Donuts is their Original Blend Coffee.
Does Dunkin’ Donuts have a rewards program?
Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts has a rewards program called DD Perks. Members earn points on every purchase and get free beverages on their birthday and after every 200 points earned.
What is the difference between Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins?
Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are both owned by the same parent company, Dunkin’ Brands. While Dunkin’ Donuts focuses on coffee, donuts, and breakfast items, Baskin-Robbins is known for its ice cream and frozen desserts.
Does Dunkin’ Donuts offer gluten-free options?
Dunkin’ Donuts does offer some gluten-free options, such as their hash browns and oatmeal. However, they do not offer gluten-free donuts or muffins.
Why did Dunkin’ Donuts change its name to Dunkin’?
In 2019, Dunkin’ Donuts shortened its name to Dunkin’ to reflect its increasing emphasis on coffee and other beverages, although donuts are still a significant part of its menu.
