Dunkin’ Donuts is testing online catering orders in four states, with some office party packs costing nearly $100 for baked goods and beverages.
The Canton, Mass.-based quick-service operator said catering is now available in 16 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Massachusetts, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Sherrill Kaplan, vice president of digital innovation, said the party packs are geared for business and family gatherings.
“The launch of our new DD Catering test in select Northeast locations will make it easier for our customers to serve the brand’s signature coffee, doughnuts, beverages and baked goods to a group at any function, party or office meeting,” Kaplan said in a statement.
After collecting feedback from franchisees and customers, Dunkin’ will “determine whether to make this a permanent offering in all of our stores,” Kaplan said.
Catering options include three types of bundles for parties of 10 or 20. Choices include The Dunkin’ Continental (classic spread of doughnuts, bagels, muffins, orange juice and hot or iced coffee); Sweet Treats (doughnut holes, doughnuts, muffins and hot chocolate); or Baker’s Delight (baked goods only).
The bundled packages range in price from about $30 to $96. Plates, silverware and an exclusive “DD” branded tablecloth come with each catering order.
A la carte orders are also available. Orders must be placed by 1 p.m. the previous day for next-day pickup.
Franchise doughnut shops in select markets offer catering. However, the company said this is the first time customers can make large orders online through its new catering website, catering.dunkindonuts.com.
The new online catering options are among several digital initiatives announced by the brand over the last few years.
Last week, Dunkin’ also expanded its “On-the-Go Mobile Ordering” platform to include voice ordering through Google Assistant. The technology allows customers to use the Google-powered voice technology to order and pay ahead for drinks and baked goods.
“Google Assistant is yet another exciting example of our commitment to enhancing speed, convenience and our overall brand experience for our loyal guests,” Kaplan said in a statement.
Rival Starbucks Corp. launched voice-ordering capabilities last year through Amazon Alexa.
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