Which coffee and donut chain operates over 12,000 locations worldwide? Dunkin’ is the canonical answer.
Dunkin’, originally named Dunkin’ Donuts, is an American coffee-and-doughnut chain founded by William Rosenberg. Rosenberg opened the first shop in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1948 under the name Open Kettle; it became Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950. The brand later expanded internationally through franchising.
The chain passed 12,000 restaurants worldwide and now operates in many countries, with coffee and beverages accounting for a growing share of its business. Its menu also includes doughnuts, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, iced drinks, and other baked goods. In 2018, the company announced that it would shorten its consumer-facing name to Dunkin’ to emphasize beverages as well as doughnuts.
A common mix-up is confusing Dunkin’ with its former corporate sibling Baskin-Robbins. Both were once part of Dunkin’ Brands, but they are separate restaurant brands. Dunkin’ was acquired by Inspire Brands in 2020. Location counts change as restaurants open or close, so “over 12,000” is a broad, time-sensitive description rather than a permanent exact total.