Here’s when popular metro-east donut shop is expected to reopen. Plus, a project update
I know folks are wondering about the status of a Dunkin’ location in Fairview Heights.
Why is it closed? Will it reopen? If so, when?
Well, I have some answers for you.
Sim Patel and his sister, Krishna Patel, own 43 Dunkin’ locations in four states, including a location coming to O’Fallon in 2024.
I spoke to owner Sim Patel on Monday as he was en route from Champaign to the Fairview Heights store.
He said the Fairview Heights location is temporarily closed for an exterior/interior renovation, which is clear if you’ve passed by – but it’s looking pretty good from the outside so far.
His reason for visiting the Fairview Heights location is to check on the status of the reno.
If all continues to go well and stay on schedule, the store will reopen the week of Nov. 20, according to Patel.
In addition to a new structural facelift and new plumbing, customers will see changes with operations and inside the store too.
The menu boards in the drive-thru are going digital, which will help keep customers up to date on offerings and prices.
Patel said that it would also be better for employees. They won’t have to stand outside in less-than-ideal weather to make updates.
One new feature inside will be a digital kiosk available for customers to use as an alternative to standing in line. You’ll be able to order your coffee and donuts and pay for your order at the kiosk.
Patel said a new tap system for iced coffee beverages will be introduced at the Fairview Heights location.
In addition, the donut case will be located at the front of the bakery line, where folks can get a better look at the goods.
For the next few weeks, customers can look forward to enjoying the new features that Dunkin’ Fairview Heights will soon have to offer.
And, of course, the coffee and donuts.
Donuts still a mainstay
These improvements are part of the company’s rebranding efforts, which were first announced in September 2018.
Updates started taking place in January 2019, beginning with locations in Massachusetts, where the company is based.
One of the first changes was dropping “Donuts” from the branding. However, donuts will remain “a significant focus for the brand,” stated the release.
Other updates are more in line with today’s tech-savvy customer base.
“Our new branding is one of many things we are doing as part of our blueprint for growth to modernize the Dunkin’ experience for our customers,” Dunkin’ Brands’ CEO and Dunkin’ President Davie Hoffmann stated in the 2018 release.
“From our next generation restaurants, to our menu innovation, on-the-go ordering and value offerings, all delivered at the speed of Dunkin’, we are working to provide our guests with great beverages, delicious food and unparalleled convenience. We believe our efforts to transform Dunkin’, while still embracing our incredible heritage, will keep our brand relevant for generations to come.”
The release also mentions the addition of an eight-tap system for cold beverages, “encouraging crew members to serve guests like bartenders.”
I can get on board with that.
Mobile order pick-up areas and mobile drive-thru lanes were also mentioned in the release.
About Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is located at 6008 N. Illinois St., in Fairview Heights.
For more information, visit dunkindonuts.com.
This story was originally published November 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
