The year 2015 will find 1,000 Dunkin' Donuts franchise locations in California with 70 in the states southern region University of Southern California's news website Neon Tommy reported this week.
"We are delighted that Harry and Parag have chosen to grow with us in Southern California. They have been outstanding business partners for more than 25 years, and we look forward to the opening of their new restaurants in the years to come," Grant Benson, vice president of franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands said in company press release. "We are also excited to welcome Jeff and Jordon to the Dunkin' Donuts brand. Between their franchise and California business experience, we are confident they will cultivate lasting customer relationships, and become a wonderful addition to the North Island Empire community."
Veteran franchisees Harry and Parag Patel will build 18 locations in North Orange County, and the state's central inland empire. New rookies Jeff Shady and Jordon DiBiase have plans for eight in California's north inland empire.
The company opened its first location in Barstow, Calif, Tuesday, and also plans to build one with a Baskin Robbins at the Embassy Suites in San Diego, Calif for a 2014 opening.
Dunkin Donuts began the hunt for franchisees earlier this year in Los Angeles, Riverside, Calif, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Ventura and Orange counties.
Big news came in July when the company proclaimed it completed agreements with four franchise firms for 45 restaurants the press release reported.
"I love that Dunkin' Donuts is finally making its way to the west coast, but I don't think I would go out of my way to get to Barstow just to have some. Maybe if I was in the area, but I think I'll probably just wait until there is a location more local to me," Stephanie Stevens, a Los Angeles resident originally from Maryland told Neon Tommy.
