By Kevin Spak The entire city of Boston and most of its surrounding neighborhoods are on lockdown. Authorities have been all but begging residents to stay home and businesses to stay closed. And yet reports started to creep up that there was an exception: Dunkin’ Donuts. The chain is an institution in the…
From: http://www.newser.com/story/166531/boston-area-dunkin-donuts-stay-open-for-cops.html
With a new focus on food and drinks, Dunkin’ Donuts may be deviating from its namesake, but donut eaters do not seem to mind. Aided by the release of several food and drink items, Dunkin’ Donuts has seen both its ad awareness and purchase consideration rise significantly since the middle of March among consumers who had eaten donuts in the last three months.
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
OfficeMax and Office Depot Provide Merger Update and Make Key Regulatory Filing
Announce CEO Selection Committee and Launch Integration Planning Process
Share Progress in Key Regulatory Milestones
NAPERVILLE, Ill. & BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– OfficeMax Incorporated (NYS: OMX) and Office Depot, Inc. (NYS: ODP) today provided several key updates to their planned merger, including the announcement of the committee members tasked with overseeing the process to select a CEO for the combined company and selection of the executives who will help to manage the integration planning process.
Office Depot Board Member Nigel Travis, CEO of Dunkin Donuts, and OfficeMax Board Member Jim Marino, former President and CEO of Alberto Culver Company, will co-chair the selection committee. The other members are Office Depot directors Tom Colligan and Marty Evans; Rakesh Gangwal, Non-executive Chairman of the Board of OfficeMax; and OfficeMax director Francesca Ruiz de Luzuriaga.
The committee will oversee a comprehensive search process that will consider both incumbent CEOs – Neil Austrian, Chairman and CEO of Office Depot and Ravi Saligram, President and CEO of OfficeMax – as well as external candidates. The committee will proceed with the objective of selecting the CEO for the combined company at or prior to the closing of the transaction.
In addition, Office Depot and OfficeMax also today announced the selection of key executives from both companies who will oversee the integration planning process for the combined company.
Messrs. Saligram and Austrian will provide overall sponsorship and stewardship of the integration planning process. Together, they have appointed OfficeMax Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Besanko and Office Depot Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mike Newman to co-chair the integration planning process, with the shared objective of mutually developing an integration plan designed to ensure a smooth and productive transition and capture the projected $400-600 million in annual cost synergies by the third year following the transaction’s close.
“Today’s announcements mark a key milestone in our vision to help shareholders and customers of both companies realize the tremendous value inherent in our proposed combination,” said Austrian. “By bringing together several of our top executives and Board members to focus on the process of integrating our two great …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Andrew Marder, The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
I’m a coffee snob, and I don’t mean that in a pleasant way. I’m a jerk about it, and clearly, I’m unapologetic. But that isn’t going to stop me from keeping a close eye on the workings of the biggest prepared coffee sellers in the world. Taste-wise, these guys might be third-tier — seriously, there’s better coffee to be had — but business-wise, they’re top of the heap. Here are three companies that would pair well with almost any portfolio.
Dunkin’ Brands
While Dunkin’ Brands used to be known for just its doughnuts, the brand has expanded over the last decade, and now it’s a major player in the world of coffee. In its last quarter, Dunkin’ opened 256 new franchise locations around the world, and remodeled 205 other locations. While the company also operates Baskin-Robbins, it derives most of its revenue and income from Dunkin’ Donuts. The U.S. portion of Dunkin’ Donuts accounted for 81% of the company’s revenue last quarter.
The next big area for Dunkin’ is the international market. Last quarter, Dunkin’ Donuts only earned 3% of its revenue abroad, while the international portion of Baskin-Robbins brought in 11% of revenue. That shows that the company has the ability to manage overseas locations, it just needs to add more of them. Right now, the international push is costing the company, and those locations are running on a 54% profit margin, which compares poorly to the U.S. segment’s 74% margin.
This is a long-term growth story, with international locations increasing, under a suppressed margin. Then, as marketing backs off and those locations start to operate in a regular fashion, margins expand and everyone wins.
Panera Bread
If you want success in the here and now, you probably won’t do better than Panera Bread . The chain has been surging recently, driven by catering expansion and strong comparable sales growth. Last quarter, catering sales grew 19%, and the company has big plans for keeping that pace up. In-store, comparable sales grew 5% in company-owned locations. That was largely affected by increase in the average check, which was up 5.4%, driven by both product mix and price increases.
Over the next year, look for more of the same from Panera. The catering business is going to be an increasingly big deal, and the company is putting a lot of energy into making it efficient and profitable.
Starbucks
What else could possibly have been on this list? Starbucks is the reason that I can drink the kind of coffee I like — they made coffee fashionable. That hasn’t changed, and the company has had a great 12 months, with acquisitions and new product launches all over the place. Food is starting to play a larger role, and with the addition of a bakery in La Boulange, Starbucks is now in control of its own supply.
The next step is even more international expansion. The company is committing itself to expanding in …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By The Huffington Post News Editors
April Fools’ may be over, but the following days have brought some pretty interesting food news items that feel like jokes, but aren’t.
First, we were introduced to the Pizza Hut Crazy Cheesy Crust, a dairy-heavy gutbomb now available in the U.S. And now we’re learning of a glazed donut breakfast sandwich available at select Eastern Massachusetts locations of Dunkin’ Donuts.
After Associated Press food reporter Candice Choi tweeted the product shot, Eater spoke to Dunkin’ and confirmed that the sandwich consists of donuts as the “bun,” with a pepper-fried egg (and bacon, it looks like) inside.
By Molly McCluskey, The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
There’s no question that Starbucks has a more outspoken, community-minded mission than its competitors. When CEO Howard Schultz politely told a shareholder to sell his shares after the shareholder suggested Starbucks’ gay-marriage stance was hurting the company, it was just one more headline in a year of headline grabs.
But was the shareholder right? Is Starbucks a victim of its own passions? While beans may make the cup, the message makes the brand. And as Starbucks’ message gets a little muddled in the face of growing competition, the competitors are using the mermaid to build their own brand.
Market slip?
A recent poll of hospitality’s most social brands shows that McDonald’s has slightly edged out Starbucks in its online love. It’s a subtle shift, but one that reflects a larger trend. McDonald’s has long been the haven of those on the go, while Starbucks has courted the entrepreneur/freelance-work-from-a-coffee-shop crowd (including yours truly). But Starbucks’ new eco-friendly, small-space store with no room for power outlets, tables or lounging has some wondering if Starbucks doesn’t want the all-day-sitting, free-refill-drinking coffee-loving laptop-toters, after all. On the other hand, McDonald’s recent push to include customers in its social media campaigns came with prizes worthy of the Macbook-toting hipster crowd.
Dunkin’ Donuts has slowly gained market share over the past year, while its “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Starbucks” campaign is now as recognizable to many as the mermaid herself.
A coffee klatch
Coffee lovers should keep an eye on the German investment firm Joh. A. Benckiser, which has been methodically buying up coffee companies for the past year. The Minneapolis coffee chain Caribou Coffee was recently purchased for $340 million. The group also bought Peet’s Coffee & Tea last year for $974 million. Rumors abound that the company is now eyeing Dutch Master Blenders, the company spun off by Sara Lee last year. Dutch Master Blenders has struggled as an independent company. A large, consolidated brand of these three companies could be enough to challenge Starbucks overseas.
The proof is in the cup
In the face of the confrontational shareholder, Schultz acknowledged a poor quarter, while also pointing out the company’s 38% return over the past year. He challenged the shareholder to find such returns elsewhere, with reason for his confidence. Canadian competitor Tim Hortons, which has been slowly making progress in the U.S. market, is nearly flat from this time last year after a range of peaks and valleys. Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s may brew a good cup, but aren’t coffeehouses. As long as Starbucks keeps the atmosphere it built itself on, and opens small-space stores sparingly, the gap will stay wide.
After all, while Dunkin’ Donuts might post cheeky billboards claiming that $4 for a cup of coffee is ridiculous, $3.70 for a tall soy latte, power outlet, comfortable chair, and Wi-Fi for a day in an urban area is cheaper than office space and the …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
It’s totally okay to hate humanity on Mondays.
But this little note will make you feel a tiny bit better about the future of mankind.
On Sunday, Samantha Ford, who is romantically involved with a soldier deployed in Afghanistan, shared a photo on Facebook of two $20 bills and a letter from an anonymous veteran.
“I just thought I would share with you all what happened to me today! Came out of Dunkin Donuts and found this under my windshield wiper,” the accompanying post reads.
Story continues after photo
Ford, who lives just outside of Boston, according to TODAY, said the sticker on her car reads “Half my heart is in Afghanistan.”
She continued: “There are no words to describe how I’m feeling right now. Tears in my eyes. I just wish I could thank whoever did this! God bless our troops and all of those who stand behind them.”
By Monday afternoon, more than one million Facebook users had already “liked” the post. One commenter named Kayla Perrin says Ford is her best friend.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves a random act of kindness more than [Ford] and her boyfriend Albert John DeSimone,” Perrin wrote.
TODAY reported that DeSimone is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The unit is based in Fort Stewart, Ga.
…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at AOL
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
Washington Trust Finances $4.5 Million Acquisition of Blackstone Place in Pawtucket, R.I.
Current tenants include Rite Aid pharmacy
WESTERLY, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Washington Trust‘sCommercial Real Estate Group recently provided $4,500,000 in commercial mortgage financing to Blackstone Place Limited Partnership for the acquisition of Blackstone Place, a 38,000 square foot retail building located at 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket, R.I.The retail space is currently occupied by Rite Aid, Hillside Avenue Family & Community Medicine, and Dunkin Donuts.
“This property is located at the end of Hope Street at the junction of Blackstone Boulevard in the affluent East Side of Providence neighborhood,” said Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Adding, “It has excellent tenants, including Rite Aid, the third largest drugstore chain in the country.”
Washington Trust‘s
Commercial Real Estate Group provides commercial real estate mortgages for the construction, refinancing, or purchasing of investment real estate projects. Financing ranges in size from several hundred thousand dollars up to multi-million dollar projects. For more information, contact Mary Ettinger , Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Group, 401-348-1415 or 1-800-475-2265 ext. 1415.
Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island and the oldest community Bank in the nation. Washington Trust provides commercial banking, small business banking, personal banking, mortgage banking, and wealth management and trust services to individuals and institutions throughout the Northeast. Our Commercial Banking Group offers a full line of commercial and industrial lending, commercial real estate, and cash management services to borrowers throughout the Northeast. Washington Trust is an SBA preferred lender. Our team of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing customized, comprehensive financing and personalized services. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ Global Select, symbol: WASH).
Washington Trust
Elizabeth B. Eckel, 401-348-1309
SVP Marketing
ebeckel@washtrust.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America Connecticut Massachusetts New York Rhode Island
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:
The …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Chris Hill, The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
The following video is from Monday’s Investor Beat, in which host Chris Hill and analysts Ron Gross and Jason Moser dissect the hardest-hitting investing stories of the day.
In today’s installment, a judge blocks New York City‘s ban on large-sized sugary drinks. The ban was set to take effect on Tuesday. Starbucks had said it would defy the ban while Dunkin’ Donuts was ready to comply. That story plus a wrap-up of the Dow today, a discussion of the day’s four biggest market movers, and two stocks we’re going to be watching closely this week.
One of the biggest movers on the market today was General Electric. For GE, the recent financial crisis struck a blow, but management took advantage of the market‘s dip to make strategic bets in energy. If you’re a GE investor, you need to understand how these bets could drive this company to become the world’s infrastructure leader. At the same time, you need to be aware of the threats to GE‘s portfolio. To help, we’re offering comprehensive coverage for investors in a premium report on General Electric, in which our industrials analyst breaks down GE‘s multiple businesses. You’ll find reasons to buy or sell GE today. To get started, click here now.
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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
Dunkin’ Brands stock has soared by almost 25% in the last six months and has outpaced the broader indices. Dunkin’ Donuts’ U.S. operations contribute the most to the bottom line despite its international presence, and the company has a pretty clear cut strategy for its Dunkin’ Donuts’s brand i.e. to keep expanding nationally while maintaining a steady same-store sales growth. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest
By Evann Gastaldo 
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Newser – Home
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
Philadelphia Area College Basketball Fans Can Score This Month with the Second Annual Dunkin’ Philly Madness Sweepstakes
Dunkin’ Donuts regional sweepstakes asks area college fans to show their school pride and enter for a chance to win daily prizes; Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $1 to Coaches vs. Cancer Philadelphia for every sweepstakes entry March 4
th -April 8 th
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)– As college hoops action heats up, Dunkin’ Donuts in Greater Philadelphia is rewarding the region’s most passionate and loyal fans during the month of March through the Second Annual Dunkin’ Philly Madness Sweepstakes.
Now through April 8, fans can visit the “Dunkin’ Philly Madness Sweeps” tab on the Dunkin’ Donuts Greater Philadelphia Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DunkinPhilly to vote for their favorite area college basketball team and enter for a chance to win daily prizes such as school prize packs, college season tickets, a 42-inch HDTV, video game systems and more. On the final day of the college basketball season one lucky winner will be selected to receive a $5,000 American Express Gift Card. Visit http://bit.ly/DDPHLMad for official rules, additional terms and conditions.
“The Philadelphia region has some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the country and there is no better time than during the month of March to recognize the college fan with the Dunkin’ Philly Madness Sweepstakes,” said Lou Conte, Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’ Brands. “As official partner of eight programs in the region, basketball truly runs on Dunkin’ Donuts in Greater Philadelphia.”
Additionally through April 8 th , Dunkin’ Donuts in Greater Philadelphia will donate $1 to American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer ® of Philadelphia for each Dunkin’ Philly Madness Sweepstakes entry. Dunkin’ Donuts is the Presenting Sponsor of the 15 th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer® of Philadelphia Tourney Tip-Off Breakfast on Monday, March 18 th at the Palestra.
Dunkin’ Donuts is an official partner of the University of Delaware, Drexel University, La Salle University, Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s University, Temple University and Villanova University.
By Rich Smith
Filed under: Starbucks, Food & Beverage, Restaurants, Shopping Trends, Food
Coffeehouse chain Starbucks (SBUX) reported its most profitable quarter ever last month, and do you know whom they have to thank for it? Consumer ignorance … and you.
That’s right, you. Across the country and around the globe, coffee bean prices are plunging. Arabica bean prices are now down 55 percent from their highs set in May 2011. In response, the companies behind such big-name grocery store packaged coffee brands as Maxwell House, Folgers, and Dunkin’ Donuts are all slashing prices…
As Coffee Prices Decline Worldwide, Starbucks Bucks the Trend originally appeared on DailyFinance.com on 2013-02-26T10:25:00Z.
WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 19 (UPI) — Police in Massachusetts said they believe a man who pulled up to a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through window while nude was looking for “self-gratification.”
