Dunkin’s Next Generation hits Dayton

You may have noticed a significant increase in new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants opening up around the Dayton area over the past few years. Dayton is definitely “runnin’ on Dunkin’.”  Most recently there has been a lot of buzz about a new location at 5901 Far Hills Ave.  The Food Adventures Crew had the opportunity to get an exclusive tour (and tasting!) of what’s being referred to as the first “Next Generation Dunkin’” in our area!  We sent our lovable in-house blogger to tackle the assignment which is near and dear to her heart.  Take it away HUNGRY JAX !!

 

Ok, I hear some of you getting ready to post about chain restaurants vs. local.  We live in a delicious city full of locally owned coffee and donut shops that leave us with so many choices for good old fashioned homemade deliciousness.  And it’s no secret that I support the donut industry in our area.  But the awesome thing about this region is that there is room for all!   Some of you may recall that I am a transplant from Upstate NY. We travel back and forth to see family frequently.  One thing I love about Dunkin’ is that no matter where you go, you can count on the same products and quality to be offered. Dunkin’ is one of our trusted pit stops when embarking on a family road trip!  I like to compare it to Catholic Mass, no matter where you go, you’ll know what to expect!

 

The newest Dunkin’ Donuts is locally franchised by the Gilligan Company.  Patrick Gilligan left a career with BP oil back in 1993 to start his own

business with the goal of franchising different gas stations and restaurants.  Based in Columbus, the Gilligan Company has grown its’ business from Columbus to Cincinnati employing over 900 people. They uphold a commitment to their employees as well as the communities that they serve. Most recently, the local Dunkins’ franchised by Gilligan raised $5,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital. Just one of many ways this company has wanted to give back to the community!

 

Ok, but enough about people and places. Let’s move onto what this new Dunkin’ Donuts experience offers!

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE NEXT GENERATION of DUNKIN’ DONUTS:

—Immediately upon entering, you’ll notice that they changed the layout. The donut cases, which used to be behind the counter, are now up front so that you can get and up close and personal inspection of which frosted delight you’ll be taking home! The aesthetics of the building is also more modern, keeping the look fresh and new.

—They have also increased being more energy-efficient. The company has designed these new stores to be 25% more energy-efficient. In addition, they have also switched over to a double-layered paper cup. Now you will have the same cup for both coffee and specialty hot drinks, where as before, there were the old Styrofoam cups and the brown paper cups. This change allows for staff to be more efficient when making drinks (no searching for specific cups or lids) as well as eliminating the need for a sleeve a the cups will keep your liquids hot but your hands comfortable!

 

—Dunkin’ has also embraced the necessity of smart phones. If you download the Dunkin’ App, you will be able to place mobile orders. A nice feature on this is that you can load your order earlier in the day, and the when ready to pick it up, you can click “prepare my order” and it will be fresh and ready with minutes of your arrival! Yet another bonus for those of us with kids or not wanting to take a long pit stop on a road trip. What’s even better is that you also have the option to either pick up in the store OR in the drive thru! The newer Dunkin’s have a lane specifically for mobile order pick-ups!

—Ok so what changes have there been to the food? Lots! There are always specials running for new products as well as the classic goods. I got to try some of the new sandwiches offered!

 

Here is a run down of my MUST EATS for DUNKIN DONUTS:

 

• BROWN SUGAR MAPLE CHIPOTLE BACON BREAKFAST CROISSANT:
  • Limited time only! This is their classic Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich with a kick to it! The chipotle sauce adds the spice and the brown sugar bacon balances it out with a crispy sweetness! Not up for a change? The original Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant is on special for 2/$5!

 

• DUNKIN DONUTS ENTIRE $2 MENU:
  • You can indulge in a Wake Up Wrap! These are egg and cheese tortilla wraps. You can also include bacon, sausage or ham!

• POWER BREAKFAST SANDWICH:
  • This is a veggie delight! At just 370 calories, you get a Veggie Egg white scramble, turkey sausage and cheese on a multi-grain bun!  A pocket sized Food Adventure.

 

• VARIETY OF DONUTS AND BAGELS:
  • There are always the standard classics of the famous donuts – from the Boston Kreme, to the Jelly and Chocolate Glazed  Also, who could forget the munchkin donut holes?  And if you haven’t tried their bagels, give them a shot toasted with cream cheese (multiple flavors to choose from!).

 

MUST DRINKS — COFFEE!!!!  For Jackie, Dunkin’ is really all about the coffee….

Dunkin Donuts has high expectations for their coffee! With these new stores, your beverage will be treated with TLC from start to finish! For their original, dark and decaf coffee, they are now being brewed in what is called a “Soft heat” process. No longer will you coffee sit on top of a heating element in a glass carafe. The old process would leave coffee tasting burnt. This newer process gently heats the coffee within the thermos. There is also an indicator light letting staff know when it’s time to brew a fresh pot to ensure that you’re always getting a quality cup!

 

For those of you that appreciate a specialty coffee drink, you’ll be pleased to see that the beans will be freshly ground and each drink made fresh to your order! Additionally, if you like a chilled beverage, the “Premium Pours” cold beverage station is up and running. Here you can get iced coffee, cold brew, and iced tea all “on tap”! In addition, you can try the new NITRO Cold Brew Coffee! This is a fantastic upgrade to the traditional cold brew process as they infuse the drinks with nitrogen, creating a light tasking drink that’s refreshing and will keep you running! A cool thing about this process is that there are not nitrogen tanks. Instead the system pulls the nitrogen from the air!

 

Once again, the new location on Far Hills is the only “Next Generation Dunkin’” in our area! But keep an eye out as the existing stores will transition eventually bringing the tasty and innovative changes across the area. So swing on over, taste some new and old goodies, and let us know what you think!

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then tune in each week for a feature article from the Food Adventures Crew.  We are a blog that will leave no plate unturned.  Follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.