Dunkin' Could Close 800 Stores, Fate Of IL Locations Uncertain

ILLINOIS — Dunkin' said last week it is closing hundreds of locations across the United States this year, but the fate of hundreds of Illinois stores is uncertain. The news comes weeks after the company announced it will close 450 Dunkin' locations in Speedway gas stations, including those in Illinois.

The announcement was made in the second-quarter earnings report released Thursday by parent company Dunkin' Brands.

An earnings report states that the company could close about 800 Dunkin' locations in all. That number includes the 450 limited-menu Dunkin' counters in the Speedway gas station chain.

According to the earnings report, stores could close "on a gross basis as part of a real estate portfolio rationalization, being performed in conjunction with its franchisees, with the goal of setting the U.S. system up for continued strong, profitable future growth."

The 800 locations would represent approximately 8 percent of Dunkin' Brands' domestic restaurant "footprint." That translates to about 2 percent of Dunkin' Brands' U.S. systemwide 2019 sales, inclusive of the Speedway closings, according to the earnings reports.

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Nearly a decade ago, some Illinois gas stations, including an Oswego station, lost their Dunkin' when Gas City stations were sold to Speedway.

Dunkin' has more than 11,300 restaurants worldwide — more than 8,500 restaurants in 41 U.S. states and more than 3,200 international restaurants across 36 countries.

Dunkin' reported on Thursday that same-store sales fell by 18.7 percent in the most recent quarter, excluding locations that were temporarily closed.

The company did say, sales have been improving week-over-week throughout the quarter, reaching single-digit declines last week.

Dunkin' was active on social media Thursday, but didn't comment on the potential closings. Customers will be required to wear masks starting Aug. 5, according to a Tweet.

By Chris Dehnel, Patch Staff