Dunkin’ Donuts, the second largest coffee chain in the US after Starbucks, opened 16 new outlets in the UAE in the first quarter of the year and said sales were steady as consumers grow more cost conscious amid the downturn.
Continental Foods, Dunkin’ Donuts’ franchise holder in the UAE, opened 16 new outlets in the first quarter at a cost of $2.2m and said it plans to continue expanding this year.
“Despite the difficult times, we haven’t felt any significant change between our takeaway or dine-in figures in our outlets. The sales have been steady so far,” said general manager David Rodgers.
“Instead of going to fancy coffee chains and five star hotel fine dining restaurants, more and more people are opting for value for money propositions and the convenience of fast food chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts,” he said.
The company, which operates 50 stores in the UAE, opened four stores in Ajman, three in Ras Al Khaimah, five in Dubai, two in Abu Dhabi, one in Sharjah and one in Al Ain.
Dunkin’ Donuts, known as a budget alternative to coffee juggernaut Starbucks, had 6,395 outlets in the US and 2,440 outlets in 31 overseas markets at the end of 2008. The company posted global sales of $5.5bn last year.
Follow us on
