Dunkin' Donuts can now be enjoyed whenever you want it and right at your doorstep.
Because, according to a report by Bloomberg Business, the largest coffee and donut chain in the U.S. just launched its mobile ordering app in an effort to compete with Starbucks Coffee.
Specifically, Dunkin' is testing on-the-go ordering and delivery service in select markets in the country. Starting today, 124 stores in Portland, Maine, will let customers order ahead of time through a mobile app. In addition to that, 19 cafes in Dallas are trying out delivery with additional locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington will also soon start bringing coffees to customers.
However, according to The Verge, there is no report yet when it will be launched nationwide.
This move by Dunkin' Donuts was made possible thanks to a partnership with delivery service DoorDash. According to reports, consumers can order ranging from coffee to donuts and even sandwiches online and it will be delivered to you in an estimated time of 45 minutes.
A statement from Dunkin' Donuts said that customers can avail of this service from 7:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m, WGN has learned.
Vice President of global consumer engagement Scott Hudler said, "The morning space and the coffee space are incredibly crowded, speed is one of our brand differentiators."
Nowadays, restaurant chains are competing to draw customers with the quickest and most convenient options to provide their service. Simple mobile ordering and delivery now allow companies to get customers and potentially build loyalty and eventually increase sales.
Dunkin' Donuts, owned by Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., even started a rewards program back in Jan. 2014 and has about 3.6 million members, compared with Starbucks with roughly 10.4 million in America alone.
With customers lagging behind Starbucks, Dunkin' could sure use some help. Just last month, the company suffered its worst stock decline since it went public in 2011 after giving a profit forecast that missed analysts' estimates.
The coffee and doughnut chain is also facing more competition for morning meals as more businesses such as Taco Bell and McDonald's Corp. advertise breakfast burritos and the famous Egg McMuffins respectively.
However, even though Dunkin' has focused on expanding its technology capabilities, it still has difficulties keeping up with its main competitor, Starbucks.
Furthermore, it also had trouble with its app crashing after a football promotion proved overwhelmingly popular. On other hand, Starbucks also launched their mobile ordering across the U.S. in September and even added it in some locations in the U.K. and Canada.
Dunkin's VP Hudler goes on to say that mobile ordering is now the future of the restaurant business.
