Stores deals bring Dunkin' Donuts to UK

Dunkin' Donuts will have another bite at the UK market after announcings plans to open 150 new restaurants over the next five years.

The US group, which was founded in 1950 and sells 1.7 billion cups of coffee every year, pulled out of its first attempt in the mid-Nineties. It has now signed agreements with two franchise groups to begin developing Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the UK, offering coffee, doughnuts, breakfasts and a tailored British menu.

The agreements will see 50 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants set up over the next five years, initially focused on London.

Court Group will open 25 restaurants in east London, with joint UK/US partnership DDMG focusing on north London.

Dunkin' is also in advanced discussions with additional franchise partners to open other restaur- ants across the UK.

The chain has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries.

Its sister brand, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, has 100 outlets in the UK, including restaurants and concessions in other shops and cinemas.