Dunkin' President Unexpectedly Speaks At Independent Franchisee Association Meeting

(Tuesday, June 03, 2008) - After Dunkin Donuts declared ten days ago that it has no ties with the DD Independent Franchise Owners, Inc. (DDIFO), the firm has reversed track. Will Kussell, Dunkin' Donuts Brand Officer and President, and James Allen, Brand Advisory Council Franchisee Co-Chair, not only attended DDIFO's meeting last Thursday, but Mr. Kussell also delivered a crucial message to members. He said that a breakfast war was now being waged in New England about coffee. Kussell declared, "The war of our lives is about coffee. McDonald's and Starbucks are going straight on to take us out."

[Will Kussell, Dunkin' Donuts President speaks with independent franchise association about how McDonald's and Starbucks are targeting to out Dunkin' Donuts] In another surprise statement, Kussell said that Dunkin' Brands would have no more strategic partners for at least three years. There has been a significant amount of controversy regarding Dunkin' Brands partnership agreements with Sara Lee, Proctor & Gamble and Hess gas stations, allowing them to place Dunkin's number one product, coffee, into grocery stores, gas stations, kiosks, private cafeterias and other retail outlets. DDIFO members have been critical of these alliances stating that they will ultimately devalue the iconic Dunkin' coffee brand.

Although Mark Dubinsky, President of DDIFO, confirmed that Kussell and Allen attended the meeting, he would not confirm the content of what was said by Kussell. But he did state, "Clearly, their willingness to do so represents a renewed possibility for the ongoing improvement of our relationship."

Regarding their meeting in general, Dubinsky expressed that he was very satisfied by the high level of attendance and keen level of engagement demonstrated by their members throughout their meeting. "Today, more than ever before, our members revealed a rare sense of unity and purpose, he said. "We are now stronger and more resolute than any other time in our 19-year history."

Dubinsky said there was also a great show of support for their new professional board of directors, as well as a deep appreciation for all of the contributions made by all of the former directors throughout their history. "Lastly," he added, "several members told me that this was a very successful meeting in terms of the quality of communication, education, and advocacy for our members' long-term business interests."

View all Dunkin' Donuts Press Releases

This article has been read 293 times.

Printer Friendly