Dunkin’ opens Its 10,000th U.S. store in Darien, Illinois, marking a historic milestone

USA – Dunkin’ has opened its 10,000th U.S. store in Darien, Illinois, a significant milestone that underscores the brand’s enduring popularity and aggressive expansion strategy.

The new location, celebrated on October 7, 2025, is also the 100th store for franchisee The Hari Group, highlighting the success of long-term franchise partnerships.

The Darien store, located just outside Chicago, was inaugurated with a community celebration attended by franchisees Bud and Raj Patel, Inspire Brands leadership, and hundreds of Dunkin’ fans.

Scott Murphy, Inspire Chief Brand Officer and Dunkin’ President, emphasized the brand’s momentum. “We’re not just celebrating this opening, we’re recognizing the guests who energize us, and the team members and franchisees who make it happen,” he said.

To honor the local community, Dunkin’ collaborated with Chicago artist Emmy Star Brown, who painted a custom mural on the building featuring the area’s white oak tree, Darien flag, and Chicago skyline.

Additionally, local favorite Garrett Popcorn created a special popcorn-topped Chicago Donut for the launch, blending regional flavors with Dunkin’s signature offerings.

Dunkin’ has opened over 230 new stores in 2025 alone, according to its franchise disclosure document, a stark contrast to rivals like Starbucks, which reported store closures in recent quarters.

This growth positions Dunkin’ among an elite group of U.S. restaurant chains with more than 10,000 locations, joining McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway.

The brand’s expansion is fueled by consumer demand for convenience, value, and beverage-driven occasions.

Dunkin’ has introduced value meal deals, including its $6 Meal Deal, to attract budget-conscious customers, while leveraging limited-time offers and seasonal items to drive traffic.

Raj Patel of The Hari Group reflected on the journey: “We’ve come a long way from the 10 units my father and I started with. Reaching 100 locations is an incredible accomplishment, but it’s not the finish line. We’re just getting started.”

Dunkin’ operates under a predominantly franchised model, with approximately 8,465 franchise-owned outlets and only 34 company-owned locations as of 2024.

This structure enables rapid scaling while maintaining brand consistency. The acquisition of a small number of corporate-owned stores allows Inspire Brands to test innovations in a controlled environment, ensuring franchisee success.

With strong franchisee support and a focus on operational agility, Dunkin’ is poised for continued growth across diverse markets.

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