Dunkin' Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with franchise group Berliner III, LLC to develop 14 new restaurants in St. Louis and two new locations in Kansas City over the next several years. 

Berliner III, LLC is led by National Football League greats and former University of Nebraska football players Kris Brown and Zach Wiegert, who have teamed up with David Scott to develop a third market. The partners currently operate Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in North Kansas City, Mo., Omaha, Neb. and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Their first restaurant under this new development agreement is planned to open in 2016, and the remainder planned to open by 2023. 

"We are excited to expand the brand's presence throughout St. Louis and Kansas City and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here," said Kris Brown, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee. "Since signing our first development agreement with Dunkin' Donuts in 2011, our passion and loyalty for the brand has only increased, and we look forward to opening additional restaurants in the years to come."

Franchise opportunities remain available in Joplin. To help fuel additional growth in the market, 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.

"Our enthusiastic and dedicated franchisees contribute to our brand's growth, which has helped solidify our position as one of the fastest growing brands 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 Kris, Zach and David have chosen to expand in Missouri, and know these new restaurants will satisfy a growing consumer demand in the local communities they serve."