American global coffee and doughnut company Dunkin’ Donuts has announced plans to open another 80 stores across the UAE this year as part of its regional expansion strategy.

The announcement came at the launch of Dunkin’ Donuts' first café in the region at Sharjah’s popular lakeside leisure destination, the Al Majaz Waterfront.

A household name in the UAE, since its first outlet opened in 1997, Dunkin’ Donuts has consolidated business in the coffee-loving nation with more than 65 stores serving a multitude of delicious doughnuts, bagels, other baked goods, and a variety of hot and iced beverages.

Owing to its ever-growing popularity and fan following, Dunkin’ Brands International and Continental Foods, the owner of the Dunkin’ franchise in the UAE, have collaborated to take the Dunkin’ experience to the next level with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind café concept not just in the UAE, but the larger Arab region, said a senior official at the launch.

"The opening of Dunkin’ Donuts' first café in the region is simply a response to the needs of our loyal patrons and consumer requests," remarked Sheikh Mohammed Saud Sultan Saqer Al Qasimi.

"With each passing year of our service to our clients, the overarching feedback was that they wanted to spend more quality time at Dunkin’, and desired for it to be a space that bears greater resemblance to a coffeehouse where they can spend hours alone with a coffee and a book, bring their clients for a meeting, their children for a weekend treat or their friends for a late-night coffee and dessert," he noted.

"Elevating customer satisfaction and experience have always been a topmost priority for Continental Foods, and the launch of this café bears testimony to our efforts," stated Al Qasimi.   

"With double the space offered indoors, cosy lounging arrangements, outdoor seating to enjoy the waterfront views, free Wi-Fi, and an intuitive staff offering exceptional service, the Dunkin’ Café is unlike its predecessors," he added.

CEO Marwan Salha said: "UAE is a key market and we are expanding steadfastly to be able to reach out to the maximum number of people in the UAE communities."

"We are expanding across all emirates through diverse retail opportunities at malls, universities, gas stations, metro stations, and supermarkets. Premium, natural and fresh ingredients with unbeatable prices is our key to success. All our donuts come from an HACCP certified baking facility unit that feeds our stores on a daily basis with the freshly made products," stated Salha.

“We plan to hit the 80-stores mark by end of 2018 and plans to open more cafés concepts are underway,” said the top official.

Staying true to tradition, Dunkin’ Donuts will continue to offer its attractive bundle packages at the new café. A breakfast meal with a free coffee or a doughnut and coffee combo – all for Dh10 – or their new limited time offer, which entitles customer to two dozen doughnuts for the price of one, all up for grabs, he added.-TradeArabia News Service