Dunkin’ Donuts (now known simply as Dunkin’) is an American multinational coffee/donut company and quick service restaurant. Founded-Very obviously in 1950 by Bill Rosenberg in Quincy Massachusetts, it was purchased (acquired) by Allied Lyons’ Baskin-Robbins holding company. This acquisition and the rebranding of Mister Donut stores to Dunkin’ Donuts sparked growth in North America. Dunkin’ & Baskin-Robbins became subsidiaries of Dunkin Brands under the name Sparadiac in 2004, but its headquarters was established in Canton, Massachusetts, and Inspire Brands later acquired them on December 15th, 2020. The rebranding, which the company says places it as a ”beverage-led brand,” is part of Dunkin’s strategy to take this branding global.
Location Analysis of Dunkin’ Donuts Across the USA
Dunkin Donuts has expanded its brand reach and has an estimated 9361 stores established in the United States by 30 April 2024. These outlets can be found across 44 states and other territories, making Dunkin’ Donuts a popular and easily recognizable coffee and Donut house in the country. This way, people can get their hands on the branded product, which, in turn, indicates its high rate and constant demand.
Besides the company’s comprehensive coverage with many outlets, Dunkin’ Donuts has a customer satisfaction rating of 3. 78. This implies that social media patrons have tended to give the place positive feedback. This rating implies that although the company could embrace improvements, most customers are reasonably content with their experiences at Dunkin’ Donuts. Another fascinating insight is that the strength and versatility of consumer attraction and repurchasing in many places also testify to the brand’s established market position and the efficiency of the chosen business model.
Top States and Territories with the most Dunkin Donuts Locations
Currently, Dunkin’ Donuts has outlets in 44 states and territories of America, which brings out their colossal success and proper positioning in the market. With a chain of stores in most of those locations, most Americans can enjoy the products offered by Dunkin’ Donuts regardless of whether they reside in large cities, suburban areas, or rural areas. The product can be customized depending on various regional preferences. Still, the quality of the Nestle brand does not drop, which explains why the brand has grown in different regions of the country.
The majority of Dunkin’ Donuts cafés are in Massachusetts and Florida. New York has 1,414 Dunkin’ Donuts, and such several cafes makes up 15% of all Dunkin’ Donuts in the United States. This means that there is a Dunkin’ Donuts store for every 13,595 people in the state. This shows that the brand is well-established in New York and well-loved by the people. The locations are dense; thus, the population will easily access and consume Dunkin’s products.
The origin of Dunkin’ Donuts is observed to have a relatively significant presence in the United States market, starting at the second position in Massachusetts with a total of 1,068 stores, equivalent to 11 percent of all the eateries found across the country. Thus, while the per capita ratio is not as high, Dunkin’ Donuts has a store for every 6,584 residents in Massachusetts. These numbers indicate that the residents of this region are very loyal to the brand, and Dunkin’ Donuts is an inherent part of people’s daily lives. These factors prove beneficial as these places are easily accessible, making the brand dominant in Massachusetts.
Dunkin’ Donuts currently has 883 stores in New Jersey, almost 9% of the total stores in the United States. It has a population of roughly around 8.88 million, and this means that, on average, a Dunkin’ Donuts store is located in every ten thousand one hundred thirty residents. Such density means the proper coverage of the market, which will be necessary to provide services to a part of the New Jersey population.
Florida has 866 Dunkin’ Donuts outlets, accounting for 9% of all the stores in the United States. Their numbers are perceived clearly when measured against the state’s population, indicating that the state has a good population of Dunkin’ Donuts outlets, even though they are less saturated compared to New York and Massachusetts because, for every 23,733 people, there exists a Dunkin’ Donuts shop. The brand’s strong presence in Florida can indicate the diverse, large geography with consumers looking for the familiar and easy – be it locals or tourists. This distribution strategy assists the firm in sustaining people’s choice of brand and convenience in various areas of the country.
List of Other States and Territories With Most Dunkin’ Donuts Stores
Dunkin’ Donuts already serves several states and areas of the United States; currently, the company distributes its products in New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Georgia, and Ohio, among others.
Illinois follows closely with 692 Dunkin’ Donuts locations, comprising about 7% of the total. Despite a larger population of around 12.67 million, each Dunkin’ Donuts location serves approximately 17,920 people. This ratio highlights the brand’s popularity and widespread appeal throughout the state, catering to urban and suburban areas where customers prioritize convenience and quality.
Pennsylvania alone has 629 Dunkin’ Donuts outlet franchises, which occupy 7 percent of the franchises across the country. With a population of about 12. 80 million, there is approximately one Dunkin’ Donuts store per 19,760 of the state’s residents. This distribution ensures that Dunkin’ Donuts is well-positioned to serve a diverse demographic across Pennsylvania, from bustling cities to rural communities.
Connecticut, which has 480 stores, accounts for about 5% of the Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the entire United States of America. However, it has a significantly lesser population of 3.56. As for Dunkin Donuts, 700 outlets are selling Dunkin Donuts in the United States alone, with a population of 56 million people, which suggests that on average, there is a Dunkin Donuts store for every 7500 people, hence establishing that there is a lack of shortage of Dunkin Donuts stores to serve the population.
Dunkin’ Donuts currently has 303 outlets in Maryland, which contributes to about 3% of its outlets in the United States. The country’s population estimate is about 6. 05 million residents. This means that there is a Dunkin Donuts store for every population of 19,320 people. This market penetration shows how deeply the brand is fixed and appreciated by different people and areas, both urban and suburban, in Maryland. The types of products it offers include coffee and baked goods.
Georgia has 265 restaurants where Dunkin’ Donuts can be found, which amounts to about 3% of all American restaurants that belong to the chain. The latter has a relatively more significant population, estimated at about 10. Indeed, with a population of over 62 million people, it is possible to establish one Dunkin’ Donuts store for every 37,250 inhabitants. This distribution also guarantees Dunkin’ Donuts a significant market share in Georgia, giving it a chance to serve the two main markets, including the locals and travelers who constantly search for familiar brands.
Currently, in Ohio, 245 Dunkin’ Donuts are making up about 3% of the outlets in the United States. It has an estimated population of less than 11 million. Specifically, out of a total of 69 million people, Dunkin ‘Donuts targets 45,310 clients in each store. This ratio shows that the brand has taken a strategic position in different cities and towns within the state, serving its purpose of quenching the thirst of the people of Ohio and people transacting in the region with quality and serviceable coffee.
Cities with the Most Number of Dunkin Donuts Locations in the United States
Chicago has the highest number of Dunkin’ Donuts stores 216, indicating that the city consumes a lot of coffee and that the brand resonates with the community. The circumstances include an active downtown area, multiple locations to open stores in different neighborhoods, and many commuters consuming its products. The people of Chicago also value diversity in eating and drinking establishments, flavors, and choice of drinks, donuts, and breakfast options from Dunkin’ Donuts.
The largest city in the United States and the state of New York has 172 outlets from Dunkin’ Donuts Company. New York is a working city, and most people do not have the time to sit down for a meal; therefore, Dunkin’ Donuts serves a portion of their necessities. The yellow cabs, Atlantic City buildings, and city rush perfectly suit Dunkin’ Donuts since it is present in all these areas to supply both the New Yorker and the tourist.
There are 133 Dunkin Donuts stores in Brooklyn city. Brooklyn enjoys the reputation of a rather multicultural area, and people from Brooklyn and other places have been happy to recognize Dunkin’ Donuts as their coffee and quick snacks provider. Its availability and reliability are the two factors that work best for markets with a diversified populace, such as Brooklyn, where many young people, families, and artists are found.
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) has tremendous historical and cultural value for the United States of America and 127 Dunkin’ Donuts stores. With historical sites and buildings of learning institutions and commercial centers, the city guarantees a regular clientele for Dunkin’ Donuts’ delicious and dependable coffee and other food products. Tourists, students, and the working population have been identified as Philadelphia’s population, which has established the brand.
The other region of New York City also has 92 Dunkin’ Donuts stores situated in the Bronx. Being one of the most culturally diverse boroughs in New York, the Bronx is indeed a perfect market for Dunkin’ Donuts. The brand is needed to serve the diverse, and it seems that the mass population embraces the opportunities to grab something tasty and save money at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Boston is the capital of the state of Massachusetts and is famous for its history and universities; there are 65 Dunkin’ Donuts stores here. The inhabitants of the city are loyal to coffee, and numerous streets are crowded with students, working people, and tourists, so the chain of Dunkin’ Donuts. It’s also specified that citizens of Boston are familiar with Dunkin’ Donuts; in fact, they call it ‘Dunkin’.
Orlando (Florida) has an outlet that reviews the geographical location of the target company with 45 Dunkin’ Donuts stores, it is a city well-known for its theme parks and tourists. Tourists arrive in the area all year round, and together with the permanent residents, this creates the demand for ready-to-eat coffee and snack products. It targets tourists and local consumers since traveling within the big city may, sometimes, be overwhelming, and it provides a familiar establishment.
Baltimore, famous for its harbor and diverse districts, has 45 Dunkin’ Donuts branches. The population distribution with business districts, cultural landmarks, and residential estates provides a stable customer profile for Dunkin’ Donuts outlets. Baltimore patrons love the Pepsi brand for its efficiency, which is observed by offering numerous types of meals.
Jamaica is a neighborhood in Queens, New York, where 39 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises were offered. Being one of the essential transport centers and inhabited by an ethnically diverse population, Jamaica is highly attractive with regard to sales to Dunkin’ Donuts. The brand’s establishment in this busy region ensures that its target clients, commuters, and other people get their quick fix of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, among other things.
Miami is predicted to experience significant growth in the number of stores in the next few years. It has 37 Dunkin’ Donuts outlets. More specifically, Miami has nightlife, attractive beaches, and a multicultural population. Being an intensely sociable urban area with a warm climate, fast food consumption is triggered by a need to quench thirst and get an energy boost. The concept of operation of Dunkin’ Donuts complements Miami with its ever-changing crowd of residents and tourists.
These cities also illustrate Dunkin’ Donuts’ proper coverage of towns where there is a need for easy, fast, and reliable coffee and food. They all capitalize on various aspects of the cities they operate in transport and tourism-related establishments, residential, and business districts, thereby constantly making sure that Dunkin’ Donuts is the go-to choice of various groups of customers.
States and Territories without any Dunkin Donuts Locations
While Dunkin’ Donuts has stores all over the 50 states, there are still 11 states and territories in which there are no Dunkin’ Donuts stores. The ten states under IAKA are Idaho, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, American Samoa, Washington, Oregon, Guam, Montana, the U. S. Virgin Islands, the northern marina island, and North Dakota. The failure to see a Dunkin’ Donuts store in these areas could be attributed to factors like the demand for the product, the population type, or the ability to distribute goods and services.
In states such as Washington and Oregon, local traditions on coffee and competition offered by other coffee franchises may affect the approach that Dunkin’ Donuts will take in marketing its products. Also, the geographic barriers to opening stores in territories like Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands can be limiting factors. Perhaps these territories have not reached the required level of inhabitants and are geographically relatively isolated, which may not make it financially conducive for Dunkin’ Donuts to establish a presence.
On the mainland, there are no Dunkin’ Donuts selling points, such as Idaho, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota, to mention but a few. These states exhibit a lower population per square kilometer compared to regions of the country, with a higher degree of store density for Dunkin’ Donuts, making it difficult for the brand to sustain business where it possesses less score density. It can be noted that the overall strategic direction of the brand, aimed at markets with high population density and demand, means that most Americans can always taste the coffee and biscuits of the Dunkin’ Donuts brand. At the same time, several states and territories remain inaccessible to the brand.
Dunkin’ Donuts vs Competitors
Dunkin’ Donuts, a large company operating in the coffee and donuts sector, is in tough competition with its rivals. Starbucks, the competitor, currently has 16,621 stores while Dunkin’ Donuts has only 9,641; that is, Dunkin’ Donuts has 6,980 fewer stores than Starbucks. Starbucks also has the advantage of distributing outlets across states and cities, with 52 states (+ 7 more than Dunkin’ Donuts) and 3 663 cities (+ 382 than Dunkin’ Donuts). This shows that Starbucks has a wider coverage and is more penetrating in the market than the other two competitors.
However, Dunkin’ Donuts significantly outranks Tim Hortons, where a number of outlets indicate that the latter has only 639 outlets compared with Dunkin’ Donuts’s 9,641 outlets. The company has outlets in only 11 states, which is (-34) less than Dunkin’ Donuts, and 315 cities, which is (-2966) less than Dunkin’ Donuts’ thus depicting that Dunkin’ Donuts has more dominance in the United States than the Canadian company Tim Hortons.
Equally as important, Dunkin’ Donuts has far more stores than Caribou Coffee. As for the coverage, Caribou Coffee has 94 outlets less than DD, with 496, while DD has 9 641; Caribou Coffee is in 20 states (- 25 less than DD) and 244 cities (- 3,037 less than DD). This clearly shows that Dunkin’ Donuts is available in a much more comprehensive range than Starbucks.
Once more, Shipley Do-Nuts does not have as many reports as Dunkin’ Donuts, where it can be seen that the latter has more presence. Shipley Do-Nuts has fewer numbers of outlets, namely 374, which is still smaller than Dunkin’ Donuts outlets 9,641, states presence by 12 (-33 states are lesser than Dunkin’ Donuts,) and operates in 181 cities (-3,100 less than Dunkin’ Donuts cities). Such disparity points to the fact that Dunkin’ Donuts has an extensive network.
Finally, Dunkin’ Donuts is again ahead of Krispy Kreme in terms of the number of stores, states, and cities it is in. While Dunkin’ Donuts currently claims to have a store count of 9,641, there are only 354 Krispy Kreme stores worldwide. Despite the fact that both companies are present in 42 states and 284 cities, the latter is far less (-2,997) than that of Dunkin’ Donuts. While Krispy Kreme has a very identifiable brand, Dunkin’ Donuts currently has significantly more stores and locations.
Conclusion
One of the complex marketing approaches used by Dunkin Donuts is based on its marketing mix choices, STP strategies, and branding strategies to reach out to the targeted audiences. Its competitive vision can be summarized as cost leadership, but it is not a cheap offering due to the desired company image that needs/thinks reflection on its customer´s values. Therefore, consumers recognize that the brand is well-suited for those looking for high-quality products at low prices and help keep running.
Dunkin’ Donuts enhances customer retention with loyalty programs, encouraging repeat visits even for budget-conscious consumers. Focused on the US market, where 20% of locals buy coffee daily, the brand enjoys steady growth (Bucholz, 2023). The emphasis on efficient takeaway and delivery services helped Dunkin’ thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting new customers to these convenient purchase options.
