# Dunkin' > American global donut company and coffeehouse **Wikidata**: [Q847743](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q847743) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin'_Donuts) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dunkin ## Summary Dunkin' is an American coffeehouse and donut company. It was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Canton . The company was founded by William Rosenberg . ## Summary Dunkin' is an American global donut company and coffeehouse founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg. Originally named "Open Kettle," it evolved into one of the largest coffee and baked goods chains worldwide, known for its coffee and Boston Creme donuts. As of 2023, it is owned by Inspire Brands, operating in over 40 countries. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. - Originally named "Open Kettle"; renamed Dunkin' Donuts in 1955. - Headquarters located in Canton, Massachusetts, with historical ties to Quincy. - Owned by Dunkin' Brands (1950–2021) and later acquired by Inspire Brands in 2021. - Traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker DNKN until its acquisition. - Operates in the fast food industry, specializing in coffee and doughnuts. - Key affiliated people include Madonna (lawsuit over trademark infringement) and Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel (fugitive linked to a Dunkin' franchise). - Maintains multiple regional websites (e.g., dunkindonuts.com, dunkinksa.com). - Dunkin' Brands employed 1,163 people as of its closure in 2021. - Inspire Brands, its current parent company, was founded in 2018. ## FAQs **When was Dunkin' founded?** Dunkin' was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. **Who owns Dunkin' today?** As of 2021, Dunkin' is owned by Inspire Brands, a restaurant holding company. **Is Dunkin' publicly traded?** Dunkin' was listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange (DNKN) until its acquisition by Inspire Brands in 2021. **What is Dunkin' known for?** Dunkin' is renowned for its coffee and donuts, particularly the Boston Creme donut, and its "America Runs on Dunkin'" slogan. **Where are Dunkin' headquarters located?** The company is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, with historical roots in Quincy. **Who are notable people associated with Dunkin'?** Key figures include founder William Rosenberg, singer Madonna (due to a trademark lawsuit), and fugitive Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel. ## Why It Matters Dunkin' revolutionized the coffee and baked goods industry by popularizing affordable, mass-produced coffee and donuts. It played a pivotal role in shaping the fast food landscape, competing directly with Starbucks and establishing coffee as a daily staple. Its global expansion and rebranding from "Dunkin' Donuts" to "Dunkin'" in 2018 reflect its adaptability to consumer preferences. The brand’s cultural impact is evident in its iconic slogan "America Runs on Dunkin’," symbolizing its integration into daily life. ## Notable For - One of the largest coffee chains globally, with over 13,000 locations in 41 countries. - Pioneered the "America Runs on Dunkin'" marketing campaign, emphasizing its role in daily routines. - Transitioned from "Dunkin' Donuts" to "Dunkin'" in 2018 to emphasize beverage sales. - Introduced the Boston Creme donut as a signature item. - Subject of a high-profile trademark lawsuit involving Madonna in 1994. ## Body ### History Dunkin' was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts, initially operating as "Open Kettle." Rosenberg rebranded the company to Dunkin' Donuts in 1955, focusing on coffee and donuts. The chain expanded nationally and internationally, adopting a franchise model. In 2018, the company dropped "Donuts" from its name to reflect a beverage-focused strategy. Dunkin' Brands, the parent company, was acquired by Inspire Brands in 2021 for $11.3 billion. ### Corporate Structure Dunkin' was owned by Dunkin' Brands from 1950 to 2021, a holding company that also managed Baskin-Robbins. Dunkin' Brands employed 1,163 people and was headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts. Following Inspire Brands' acquisition, Dunkin' joined a portfolio including Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. ### Locations The company’s headquarters are in Canton, Massachusetts, with historical ties to Quincy. Dunkin' operates globally, with regional websites for markets like Saudi Arabia (dunkinksa.com), Thailand (dunkindonuts.co.th), and South Korea (dunkindonuts.co.kr). ### Products Dunkin' is synonymous with coffee and doughnuts, particularly the Boston Creme donut. Coffee accounts for approximately 74% of its sales, reflecting its shift to a beverage-led model. The chain also offers breakfast sandwiches and bagels. ### Key People - **William Rosenberg**: Founder and entrepreneur who developed the concept of the modern coffeehouse. - **Madonna**: The singer faced a lawsuit from Dunkin' in 1994 over her "Dunkin’ Donuts" merchandise line. - **Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel**: A fugitive linked to a 2017 murder at a Connecticut Dunkin' franchise. ### Affiliations and Stock Exchange Dunkin' was listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange (DNKN) from 2012 until its 2021 acquisition. The Nasdaq, founded in 1971, is a fully electronic exchange headquartered in New York City. ### Cultural Impact Dunkin' has become a cultural icon, symbolizing American consumer habits. Its "America Runs on Dunkin'" campaign reinforced its role in daily life. The brand’s rivalry with Starbucks highlights its influence in the global coffee industry. ### Legal and Controversies In 1994, Dunkin' sued Madonna over her "Dunkin’ Donuts" clothing line, alleging trademark infringement. The case was settled out of court. Additionally, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, a former Dunkin' franchisee, was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list in 2019 for a murder at his Connecticut store. ### Industry Role As a leader in the fast food industry, Dunkin' contributes to the global coffee and baked goods market. Its focus on convenience and affordability has shaped consumer expectations for quick-service restaurants. ## References 1. [Source](https://stockanalysis.com/actions/delisted/2020/) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [Source](https://menuspricesphl.com/dunkin-donuts-menu/) 4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 5. Name Suggestion Index