Dunkin’ Will Close 450 Locations by the End of 2020
While (most) cars run on gas, America runs on Dunkin’. At least that’s how the saying goes. But if you want to acquire the fuel needed to run both your automobile and yourself in one quick pit stop, it looks like that’s about to get a bit more difficult.
That’s because Dunkin’ recently announced its plans to permanently close 450 locations within Speedway gas stations between now and the end of the year. At first glance, that would seem to be less than ideal news for commuters and anyone else who finds themselves on the road in the morning hours.
To hear Dunkin’ tell it, the purpose of the permanent closures is to shift their attention and investment to other, larger Dunkin’ locations.
“These [Speedway gas station locations] are lower volume units, in total representing less than 0.5% of Dunkin’ U.S. annual systemwide sales in 2019,” Dunkin’ CFO Kate Jaspon told TODAY. So while some folks may miss their go-to gas station Dunkin’, it hopefully shouldn’t cause any kind of massive, nationwide disruption to America’s breakfast routines. Instead, Dunkin will “be better positioned to serve these trade areas with Dunkin’s newest Next Generation restaurant design that offers a broader menu and modern experience.”
Most of the Speedway Dunkin’s haven’t closed yet, though they’ll be winding down by the end of the year. So for now, there’s no need to adjust your summer travel routes. At the same time, Jaspon made a point to confirm that Dunkin’ is “committed to growing our presence in gas and convenience locations,” as well as at airports, rest stops, and the like. If you have a favorite Dunkin’ and it’s not at a Speedway gas station, there’s nothing to worry about right now.
Obviously a lot of big fast-ish food chains are going to have to rethink the where, why, and how of their locations for a post-pandemic world. Comparatively, this registers as a pretty small change. So unless you’re a Dunkin’ fanatic with a picky car that will only guzzle Speedway gas, you’ll be just fine.
