Dunkin' Brands University: More Than Just Donuts and Coffee
Dunkin' is more than just a place for a quick coffee and donut fix. It's a brand that invests in its people, offering various programs and initiatives to foster growth and opportunity. Among these is the Dunkin' Brands University, a unique institution dedicated to training franchisees and employees in the art of donut production, customer service, and restaurant management. In addition to the university, Dunkin’ offers a brand ambassador program and scholarships.
Dunkin' Brands University: Honing Skills in the Art of Donuts
Established in 1966, Dunkin' Brands University, also known as Dunkin' University, is a trade school located in Braintree, Massachusetts. It stands as a testament to Dunkin's commitment to quality and consistency. Unlike typical onboarding sessions, the university provides in-depth training, ensuring that employees master doughnut production and craftsmanship.
Before the rise of online learning, Dunkin' University was already ahead of the curve with its digital portal. Students gain access to classes covering food and beverage preparation, and customer service operations. The in-person facility in Braintree attracts a diverse group of students, with many traveling from international locations like Japan and Thailand. At least two individuals from each Dunkin' Donuts restaurant are required to participate in the Dunkin' Brand training program.
A Rigorous Curriculum: Mastering the Dunkin' Way
Passing the course at Dunkin' Brands University is not an easy feat. Students are evaluated on their doughnut-producing capabilities through frequent quizzes, with at least two required to pass each week, according to the Chicago Tribune. The final assignment is a true test of skill and stamina: making 140 dozen doughnuts and filling an entire room with them in just eight hours. The doughnuts are then judged on their weight, size, and taste, alongside assessments of the students' problem-solving and managerial skills.
The program's structured layout includes lectures, primarily through videos, where students memorize critical details like baking temperatures. Wicked Local provides an overview of Dunkin' University's syllabus, including a "Coffee Excellence" component that assesses a student's knowledge of coffee beans and a "Point of Scale" lesson, with three sessions dedicated to management.
Read also: Comprehensive Overview of Dunkin' Brands University
A Legacy of Training: From Braintree to the World
For over half a century, individuals from around the world journeyed to the Braintree facility to acquire the skills necessary to run a franchised food outlet. The final exam involved crafting 140 dozen doughnuts (1,680) in eight hours, within mockups of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins shops.
Today, while the doughnuts are made in central bakeries, much of the university's curriculum has transitioned online. The Braintree facility graduated its last in-person class in August, marking a shift in the university's operational model.
Dunkin' Runs on You: Investing in Employees
Dunkin' recognizes the importance of supporting its franchisees and their employees, who embody the brand's core values. To attract and retain talent, Dunkin' launched a national advertising campaign, "Dunkin' Runs on You," which highlights the spirit of teamwork and community within Dunkin' restaurants. The campaign emphasizes the benefits of working at a Dunkin' franchise, including opportunities for professional growth, flexible education, flexible work schedules, and competitive pay.
Partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Low-Cost College Degrees
Dunkin' has partnered with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to offer low-cost college degrees to its independent franchisees and their employees. SNHU, a private, nonprofit, accredited institution, provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their education and career prospects.
Dunkin' Brand Ambassador Program: College Super-Fans
Dunkin' extends its reach to college campuses through the Dunkin' Donuts Brand Ambassador program. Launched at eight schools around the country, including Syracuse, University of Texas at Austin, University of Connecticut (UCONN), Providence College, Boston College, University of New Hampshire (UNH), University of Massachusetts (UMASS) and University of Rhode Island (URI), the program enlists collegiate super-fans to represent the brand. Brand Ambassadors provide students with exclusive access to new product tastings, DD contests, and Dunkin' presence at campus events.
Read also: Unlock Dunkin' Discounts
Dunkin's DMV Regional Scholarship Program
In collaboration with Scholarship America, Dunkin’ will award 50 students throughout the DMV region each with a $2,500 academic scholarship to an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school of their choice in Fall 2025. The Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship Program will be open to current part-time and full-time undergraduate students and high school seniors residing and/or currently enrolled in college in Washington, D.C., Charles (MD), Frederick (MD), Montgomery (MD), Prince George’s (MD), St. Mary’s (MD), Calvert (MD), Arlington (VA), Fairfax (VA), Loudoun (VA), Prince William (VA), Stafford (VA), Alexandria (VA), Fairfax City (VA), Falls Church (VA), Manassas (VA), and Manassas Park (VA).
Expanding Presence on College Campuses
Dunkin' Donuts has expanded its presence on college and university campuses with several new locations, including a campus bookstore location at the University of Kentucky, three locations at the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, and Liberty University upgraded its location to a larger, combination restaurant with Baskin-Robbins. Monmouth College, Regis College, Valencia Community College and Montclair State University (second campus location) also opened new campus restaurants this year.
With its new openings, the franchise now has more than 75 locations at colleges and universities across the country.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
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