Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with a new franchise group, Donut World, LLC, to develop two Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and one combination restaurant with its sister brand, Baskin-Robbins, in Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri. The group's first restaurant is planned to open at 3100 Providence Road in Columbia this summer and the remainder will open in 2017.

Led by partners Anup Thakkar, Ramesh Patel and Prashant Patel, these new franchisees possess over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. They have been a part of the Columbia community for over 15 years and are thrilled to bring this franchise to these cities. Together, this team will manage and oversee the construction and operations for each Dunkin' Donuts restaurant.

"We are excited to expand the brands' presence in Missouri and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," said Anup Thakkar, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee. "We have a passion and loyalty for the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands and look forward to opening our restaurants in the years to come."

"Our secret to continued growth includes passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands. "We are excited to welcome these new franchisees to the Missouri market, and believe they will cultivate lasting customer relationships and become an integral part of the Columbia and Jefferson City communities they serve."