Honoring U.S. Military Veterans with Opportunities for Small-Business Ownership

IFA’s Veteran’s Assistance Program Wins Coveted Summit Award VetFran Incentives Pave Way for Multi-unit Operations

When Peter Turner decided to turn in his military uniform for civilian life in 2007, he began to explore business options.  The International Franchise Association’s VetFran program quickly popped up on his radar screen.  After investigating several franchise opportunities, he picked Dunkin’ Donuts.

But Turner didn’t launch his entry into franchising in small way.  The Minnesota native signed on to open a dozen units in the Raleigh-Durham, N.C. area and now he’s ready to tackle operations in his hometown, recently making the commitment with several partners to develop more than 20 new restaurants in suburban Minneapolis.

Turner’s agreement is a key element of Dunkin’s strategy for the Twin Cities, where it continues to seek new franchisees to develop a minimum of 20 restaurants in four available areas.  The franchise system offers franchisees a variety of designs and venues, including free-standing stores, sites within shopping centers and convenience stores, as well as other retail environments.  The company has more than 7,900 restaurants in 30 countries worldwide.  In 2007, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $5.3 billion.

“I am proud to be the first to bring Dunkin’ Donuts’ to Minneapolis,” said Turner.  “We look forward to being a vibrant part of the community and playing an important role in the daily lives of the people who live and work here.”

“As an existing Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to Minneapolis, and we think he’ll be able to hit the ground running,” said the company’s Vice President of Franchising Lynette McKee, CFE.  “We look forward to his presence in the market.”

“Two hundred thousand servicemen and women separate from military service annually, and it’s up to all of us … whether in the public or private sector … to help them start … or re-start … their civilian careers.”  ~Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson