Yeah, donut lovers, it’s true: next year Dunkin’ Donuts will start opening shops throughout Hawaii, including right here on Maui, the company announced today. Starting in 2017, the company plans to open 15 stores in Hawaii through an agreement with the franchise group Aloha Petroleum Ltd, Dunkin’ Donuts officials announced today.
“Our enthusiastic and dedicated franchisees contribute to our brand’s growth, which has helped solidify our position as one of the fastest growing brands by unit count in the quick-service restaurant industry,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands, in this May 2 company news release. “We are thrilled that Aloha Petroleum will be developing the brand throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and are also pleased to announce that even more of America will be Running on Dunkin’ since this agreement marks our upcoming entry into our 42nd state.”
Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts first opened in 1940. The company operates more than 11,000 shops in 43 nations. The company had previously operated in Hawaii, but that franchisee closed years ago, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
At least one former long-time Boston resident who now resides on Maui was overjoyed at the news.
“Are you serious?” said Ron Pitts, who also draws our weekly Eh Brah cartoons, via email. “A DUNKIES?! Here… In the Central Pathetic Ocean? What a year this is going to be–we rid ourselves of an overbearing idiot and get a Dunkin’ Donuts to boot! What Joy… What Rapture!
Of course, in business one door rarely opens without another one closing. Sports Authority, which operates a large store in Kahului (it used to be smaller, but it consumed the old Borders Books when that closed in 2011), may be going away, according to this recent Forbes story.
“It could be time to say goodbye to Sports Authority,” Forbes reported on Apr. 30. “The sporting goods retailer has chosen to sell off its assets, ending a quest to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Sports Authority notified the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., earlier this week that the company would not be able to reorganize and would pursue a sale instead.”
Keep in mind that Sports Authority has not yet announced that its stores will close–only that they’ll be sold.
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