The current Dunkin’ Donuts to the west would be closed and the new Dunkin’ at 1825 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike would replace it, Cassidy said. The current franchisee could not be reached for comment.

The beverage and baked goods chain has been rebranding since early in 2018, including its decision to drop Donuts from its name. In February, Dunkin’ opened its first NextGen restaurant in Quincy, Mass. and according to company filings, the chain expects 1,000 NextGen restaurants per year. “The launch of our next generation concept store marks one of the most important moments in Dunkin’ Donuts’ growth as an on-the-go, beverage-led brand,” said Dave Hoffmann, president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada.

The one-story building would have a footprint of 2,016 square feet and shared access to the movie theater’s driveway and sidewalk. The developers are proposing 22 parking spaces and two drive-through lanes. One lane is for actual drive-through ordering, the other for On the Go orders that come through mobile applications. The franchise is also introducing a drive-through window for customers with large orders. Town Planning Department staff had about 20 comments on the proposal, including trees and parking lot calculations. Southington Development Partners LLC bought the land for just under $200,000 in June 2017. The two parcels were subdivided when the movie theater was sold in 2014 to AMC to allow for development along Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike. At the time, commission members anticipated interest in one parcel for a restaurant.

New Dunkin’ shops in Wallingford and Simbury were the first NextGen restaurants to open in the state this October. The stores feature a new design, modern atmosphere and innovative technologies. “The two new locations are among the 50 or more new and remodeled Dunkin’ restaurants featuring the new design this year,” according to a press release announcing the openings. The stores feature a more modern design and cold beverages served through a tap system. Employees will also serve flavored espresso, and wear new uniforms and headwear.

mgodin@record-journal.com
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