Dunkin’ is expanding its presence in the Columbus area, with at least nine new locations in development, according to a report from Columbus Business First. The planned additions are expected to bring more of the coffee and doughnut chain’s stores to Central Ohio through 2027.
The expansion comes as local franchise operators continue to grow the brand’s footprint. According to the publication mentioned above, the Cincinnati-based Gilligan Company, which operates 12 Dunkin’ locations in the Columbus market, has at least seven additional stores in development.
Among the upcoming locations, a store at 6051 E. Main St. near Reynoldsburg is scheduled to open in late November 2026. Another location at 710 Polaris Parkway is expected to open in December.
A new Dunkin’ at 1617 Holt Road in Columbus, in a former White Castle building, is expected to open in February or March 2027. A location in Canal Winchester, along Winchester Pike near Gender Road, is planned for May 2027.
Three additional Gilligan Company locations remain in the contract stage and have not yet been publicly announced, according to the report.
Beyond Gilligan Company’s projects, another franchisee is planning a Dunkin’ location in Delaware, Ohio, while a Pataskala location is listed as coming soon on the company’s website. Together, these projects contribute to the chain’s continued growth across the region.
Dunkin’ is known for its coffee, doughnuts, and breakfast offerings. Its menu includes hot and iced coffee, cold brew, espresso-based drinks, teas, doughnuts, Munchkins doughnut holes, muffins, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and hash browns. Seasonal beverages and limited-time menu items also feature in the chain’s offerings.
Founded in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ has grown into an international coffee and quick-service restaurant brand. The company serves customers through a network of franchised locations, with stores offering varying combinations of drive-thru service, takeaway, and indoor seating.
The expansion comes as other drive-thru coffee chains, including 7 Brew and Dutch Bros, also develop new locations around Columbus. Gilligan Company President Travis Sensabaugh told Columbus Business First that the operator aims to add four or five new units annually over the next five or six years.
Opening dates for some of the planned stores remain subject to change, and three of Gilligan Company’s projects have not yet been publicly identified. WhatNow will update this article as more information becomes available.
