Dunkin’ Donuts interested in return to C.R.

CEDAR RAPIDS - The world's largest donut shop chain is looking to return to Cedar Rapids after an extended absence.

Dunkin' Donuts is seeking franchisees to open restaurants in Cedar Rapids, as well as Des Moines and Sioux City, the company said on Tuesday, March 15.

Most of the donut shops in Cedar Rapids have closed over the 15 years, leaving the Donutland location at 4307 Center Point Road NE as the sole survivor.

Donut lover Pat Meeker of Newhall remembers when the city was dotted with Dunkin' Donuts and Donutland locations, including a Dunkin' Donuts at 694 7th Ave., Marion.

She said she still patronizes the Center Point Road Donutland when she's back in town, and would love to see Dunkin' Donuts return.

“I just don't understand why they left,” the retiree said. “There is nothing better than a chop suey or a rose (donut).”

The last move into Cedar Rapids territory by a donut chain took place in 2000, when Orion LLC opened a Krispy Kreme franchised restaurant on Blairs Ferry Road NE. It closed after six years.

It's unclear why donut shops haven't fared well in Cedar Rapids, although a coalition opposed to Iowa's 1992 franchisee protection law listed Dunkin Donuts as one of the companies that had stopped expanding in Iowa because of it.

Dunkin Donuts, based in Canton, Mass., has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries. It opened 574 new locations in 2010, including 206 in the United States.

Whether Dunkin' Donuts actually comes to Cedar Rapids will depend on its success in finding a franchisee. The company looks for individuals with a net worth of at least $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000, preferrably with fast food restaurant experience.

Dunkin' Donuts said its expanded its offering from its days of being simply coffee and doughnuts. The stores now include breakfast wraps, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, buttermilk biscuits and flat bread sandwiches.