Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of multi-unit store development agreements with two existing franchise groups to develop seven restaurants in Illinois over the next several years.  

The two franchise groups and their development plans include:

Existing franchisees Krishna Patel and Rashimi (Sim) Patel plan to develop four Dunkin' Donuts locations throughout Champaign, one of which will be located outside of the major metropolitan area. This duo currently operates six Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Joliet, Romeoville, Plainfield, and Shorewood. Their next restaurant in Decatur is planned to open in Summer 2015, and the remainder by 2019.

Existing franchise Asif Rajabali plans to develop three Dunkin' Donuts restaurants that will be located in smaller towns and communities outside Rockford. Rajabali currently owns and operates two Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Bartlett and Elgin. His next restaurant is planned to open in Winter 2015, and the remainder by 2017.

Currently, there are 591 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants located throughout Illinois. The company is continuing to recruit franchisees in Quincy and throughout cities and towns outside the greater metropolitan areas of Champaign and Peoria. To help fuel growth in Illinois, special development incentives are available which include reduced royalty fees for three years and up to $5,000 in local store marketing support for timely openings.*

In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin' Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments. 

"Our enthusiastic and dedicated franchisees contribute to our brands' growth, which has helped solidify our position as one of the fastest growing companies by unit count in the quick-service restaurant industry," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands. "We are thrilled these existing franchisees have expanded their portfolios in the Illinois market, and know these new restaurants they are developing will satisfy a growing consumer demand in the Champaign and Rockford communities."