Dunkin’ Could Be Sold By Monday – Will This Affect Rochester?

According to CBS News, the company that owns both Dunkin' Donut and Baskin-Robbins, could be announcing their sale to Inspire Brands, a private equity firm.

The company, owned by private equity firm Roark Capital, already owns Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's and Sonic. Roark also backs Focus Brands — the owner of Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon — and CKE Restaurants, which owns the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's burger chains.

Dunkin' Donuts confirmed it's in talks, but nothing has been signed yet. Right now, Dunkin Donuts is worth a bunch (reportedly $9 Billion!), even though revenue is way down because of the Pandemic, they've weathered it pretty well.

Now...companies are bought and sold all the time, why would someone think this could be bad for their donut place, especially here in Rochester? Because the possible purchaser is a private equity firm, and the list of business robbed of all their value and then shut down with big job losses after being purchased by a private equity firm is long and sad. David's Bridal, Shopko, and Toys R Us come to mind. (Source)

However...this firm also owns Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's and Sonic. None of those seem to be going anywhere...in fact, they are still strong players, so this looks like good news for Dunkin' Donuts, especially when you consider how far they've come since 1950...

In 1950, Bill Rosenberg opened the first Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in Quincy, Massachusetts, with the goal to “make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well merchandised stores.” In 1955, the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opened. (Dunkin' Brands)

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The last thing anyone wants is more closed businesses...2020 has been rough!