Dunkin' Brands

American restaurant holding company

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.

Type	Public
Traded as	Nasdaq: DNKN (2011–2020)
Founded	1994 as Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants 2004 (2004) as Dunkin' Brands
Key people	Nigel Travis (executive chairman) David Hoffmann (CEO)
Industry	Fast food restaurants

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. was an American restaurant holding company that operated three popular fast-food restaurant chains: Dunkin' Donuts, Mister Donut, and Baskin-Robbins. The company's headquarters was located in Canton, Massachusetts. It was acquired by Inspire Brands in December 2020.

History

Allied-Lyons Era

In 1973, British food company J. Lyons & Co. acquired Baskin-Robbins. The company merged with Allied Breweries in 1978 to form Allied-Lyons. In 1990, Allied-Lyons expanded by acquiring Dunkin' Donuts and Mister Donut, significantly increasing its presence in the quick-service restaurant industry.

Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants

In 1994, Allied-Lyons merged with Pedro Domecq S.A., resulting in Allied Domecq. The restaurant businesses were reorganized under a subsidiary named Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants. In 1997, the company acquired the sandwich chain Togo's, complementing its existing portfolio.

Formation of Dunkin' Brands

In 2004, Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants was renamed Dunkin' Brands, marking a new chapter focused explicitly on expanding the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands worldwide. Dunkin' Brands emphasized franchise-based expansion, international growth, and innovation in its product offerings.

Acquisition by Inspire Brands

On December 15, 2020, Dunkin' Brands Group was acquired by Inspire Brands, a company known for owning and operating multiple quick-service restaurant chains. Following this acquisition, Dunkin' Brands ceased to exist as a separate corporate entity.

Subsidiaries

• Baskin-Robbins – An international ice cream and dessert chain known for its "31 flavors" concept.
• Dunkin' – A global coffee and donut chain, famous for its beverages, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Mister Donut – A donut and coffee chain, primarily operating in Asia, recognized for a diverse selection of pastries.