Dunkin’, the coffee and doughnut chain that now counts more than 10,000 locations in the United States, is set to return to Puerto Rico in 2027 after a decade-long absence. Parent company Inspire Brands has signed a development agreement with local operator Fusion Restaurant Group, marking a new chapter for the franchise brand on the island.
Dunkin’ crossed the 10,000-unit milestone in the United States last year, with the American system making up the majority of its roughly 14,200 franchise restaurants worldwide. The chain’s parent company, Inspire Brands, announced the Puerto Rico agreement in a press release citing the brand’s existing recognition and affinity on the island as a key asset. Dunkin’ last had a meaningful presence in Puerto Rico more than a decade ago before withdrawing, leaving a market where several major QSR brands have since been expanding aggressively.
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The development agreement partners Dunkin’ with Fusion Restaurant Group, an operator based in Puerto Rico with existing experience in the island’s foodservice market. Specific location counts and opening schedules have not yet been disclosed. Inspire Brands said it will share more details as the expansion progresses. The international division of Inspire Brands, which oversees Dunkin’ development outside the continental United States, is led by Michael Haley, president and managing director of international. He framed the Puerto Rico return as part of a deliberate strategy focused on markets where Dunkin’ already carries name recognition.
Puerto Rico: A Market Where QSR Brands Are Moving Fast
Puerto Rico has become one of the more active development markets for U.S. restaurant chains in recent years. Chick-fil-A announced plans to build 15 locations on the island by 2030. Dairy Queen committed earlier this year to open 20 restaurants there. Restaurant Brands International subsidiaries Burger King and Popeyes are both investing in Puerto Rican growth. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and its residents are American citizens, some restaurant groups treat it as an international market for operational and strategic planning purposes, which is reflected in how Inspire Brands has structured this agreement.
Dunkin’ Expansion and the Inspire Brands IPO Context
The Puerto Rico announcement comes as Inspire Brands has indicated it is exploring an initial public offering. Finding new development markets for its flagship brands, including Dunkin’, could strengthen the company’s growth narrative ahead of any public listing. Haley has stated that the company’s international strategy centers on markets with experienced local operators and existing brand awareness, a framework that points to similarly structured agreements in other markets over time. Dunkin’ has previously said it has momentum to build “the next 10,000 stores” globally as it moves beyond its U.S. milestone.
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