Dunkin’ Donuts reports 2009 growthDunkin’ Donuts reports 2009 growth

Sarah E. Lockyer

CANTON Mass. Dunkin’ Donuts said Monday it opened 351 net new locations worldwide in 2009, to finish the year with more than 9,000 restaurants tallying $5.7 billion in systemwide sales.

In 2008, Dunkin’ Donuts reported that it operated or franchised 8,800 locations and recorded systemwide sales of $5.5 billion.

Last year’s growth included the opening of 171 net locations in the United States, 90 percent of which were outside the chain’s core New England market. Dunkin’ Donuts also said it had signed 131 new franchise commitments in the U.S. Much of the chain’s growth included openings in non-traditional locations, such as airports, arenas, travel plazas and universities.

“Despite the economy, Dunkin’ Donuts experienced strong net growth across the U.S. as well as internationally, which positions us as one of the fastest-growing QSR brands in the industry last year,” Nigel Travis, chief executive at parent company Dunkin’ Brands, said in a statement. “As we continue to grow in 2010, we are focusing on steady, strategic growth that allows us to gain greater penetration in our existing markets, while also entering a few select new territories.”

New markets included Louisville, Ky.; Birmingham, Ala.; Dayton, Ohio; Madison, Wis. and Erie, Pa. International expansion included new locations in China, Korea, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the Bahamas.

Dunkin’ Donuts and parent Dunkin’ Brands, which also operates and franchises the Baskin Robbins brand, is based in Canton, Mass.

Contact Sarah E. Lockyer at [email protected].