"Dunkin' Donuts plans to open second Lawrence store" by Town Talk / LJWorld.com

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Dunkin' Donuts plans to open second Lawrence store

Workers driving into downtown each morning may soon have one less excuse not to bring donuts to the office. Plans are in the works to build a new Dunkin' Donuts at the corner of Sixth and Michigan streets, said Sonny Patel, the owner of Lawrence's lone Dunkin' Donuts at 521 W. 23rd St. The store on 23rd Street will remain open. Patel said he's wanted to expand for years in Lawrence, but had to await corporate approval. "We have a lot of customers bugging us for a new location," Patel said. "They tell me that they have to drive all the way across town for their coffee."The new store - which would be on the northwest corner of the intersection - will include a drive-through lane. The store will be housed in a new 2,400-square-foot building that will replace the current building on the corner, which used to house a medical supply and equipment store. Patel said he believes the location will be a good one because it is along a main route to downtown and to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The project currently is seeking site plan approval from city planners. Patel said he hopes to start construction in February and have the new store open in July. Perhaps the only downside: The site previously had been approved to house a Church's Chicken store, which would be the first in the city. That deal fell through. No official word on whether Church's is still looking for a site in the city, although there will be several restaurant sites available near the intersection of Sixth and Wakarusa as development progresses there. ¢ As bloggers on this site previously speculated, it is an O'Reilly Auto Parts Store that has started construction on a vacant lot east of Checkers on 23rd Street. O'Reilly spokesman Mark Merz said the new store is part of a company-wide plan to build new prototype stores in several markets. The new stores typically are larger than existing stores and feature wider aisles and more "retail showroom" space.The site - which fronts 23rd Street - previously had been proposed for apartments. Merz said the new store likely will open in about six months. The current O'Reilly store at 1008 W. 23rd St. will remain open while the new store is being constructed. But eventually that store will be remodeled for a new retailer, said local commercial real estate agent Paul Cromer. He said he has signed a tenant for the space, but said he could not yet reveal the identity of the business.

By Chad Lawhorn

November 13, 2008

Town Talk

Discussion

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13 November 2008
at 11:33 a.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Have they fixed the DD Cruller machine yet?And how about a store in Emporia..please!
13 November 2008
at 11:41 a.m.

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lawrencechick (Anonymous) says…

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!
13 November 2008
at 11:46 a.m.

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Kufan57 (Anonymous) says…

Yipee, finally the corner will not be an eye sore!!! Shame on whomever let that corner look like a dump…
13 November 2008
at 12:05 p.m.

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lnga0209 (Anonymous) says…

I am so excited about the new Dunkin Donuts it's not even funny… I love that place and go to it almost everyday!!!! Congrats guys hope it goes smooth for you!!!!
13 November 2008
at 12:07 p.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

Hmm, wondered what they were doing there by Checkers. Now I know. Next question: What is being done on the land in front of the Legends apartments on Clinton Pkwy?
13 November 2008
at 12:08 p.m.

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mapmaker (Anonymous) says…

The old O'Reilly's will be where Naughty But Nice will start up again.
13 November 2008
at 12:26 p.m.

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zettapixel (Anonymous) says…

Someone contact Whataburger and get them to open up a restaurant here! Why dear Lord… WHY… do I have to drive 5 hours to Oklahoma to get a Whataburger?!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HekDXDSh540

13 November 2008
at 1:02 p.m.

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LogicMan (Anonymous) says…

Aldi's in north and in downtown Lawrence.Trader Joe's in west Lawrence.Red Lobster in the new but vacant building in front of Home Depot.Wendy's or maybe Spangles in the old Uno's building.A sports store, Toys-R-Us, or a K-Mart clearance center in the old Gibsons/Food-4-less.A gun shop, CapFed, A&W/KFC, or gas station/repair shop in the now-empty Auto Exchange on south Iowa.A Grainger's branch in the vacant bar/restaurant (Molly M.'s?) at ~24th and Iowa.The banks apparently have money to lend for small businesses/start-ups; the meek need not apply, however.
13 November 2008
at 1:17 p.m.

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chargdup (Anonymous) says…

Awesome. Glad to hear about DD.
13 November 2008
at 2:21 p.m.

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foodboy (Anonymous) says…

“Patel said he believes the location will be a good one because it is along a main route to downtown and to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.” Good deal. Maybe the ambulance with heart attack victims can stop by for one last donut.
13 November 2008
at 2:51 p.m.

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srj (Anonymous) says…

Dunkin' Donuts is recession proof, I guess. And maybe O'Reilly Auto Parts Store too, might as well fix the old car instead of buying a new one.
13 November 2008
at 3:04 p.m.

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salad (Anonymous) says…

arrrrgggg!!! How about a FIRST Dunkin Donuts in Kansas City!!!!
13 November 2008
at 3:12 p.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

zettapixel: Amen! It's no fun having to drive to OKC or Tulsa for my beloved Whataburger. It get's even more maddening during basketball season since we see their commercials.
13 November 2008
at 3:24 p.m.

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grammaddy (Anonymous) says…

can a grandma get a job there?
13 November 2008
at 3:29 p.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

LogicMan: Pet peeve of mine; it is Aldi. “I went to Aldi today.” “There needs to be a few more Aldi stores around.” We don't say, “I went to Walmarts” or “I went to Targets today.” There is NO 's' on the end of Aldi. Ever.

13 November 2008
at 4:16 p.m.

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average (Anonymous) says…

I have to imagine Aldi is doing exceptionally well right now. But, they're privately held, so no one knows.My humble opinion is that there is probably room for a smaller general merchandiser (ALCO or Pamida) in East Lawrence, Eudora, or between the two. Might even get some “anywhere but Walmart” shoppers from the rest of Lawrence. The risk is that, while Eudora is over 20 minutes from a Walmart today, it would be only ten if the SLT is ever completed.
13 November 2008
at 4:40 p.m.

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Kufan57 (Anonymous) says…

I think they should build a “Braums” in Lawrence…anyone eaten there??? Great Burgers…and yummy ice cream..
13 November 2008
at 4:42 p.m.

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geniusmannumber1 (Anonymous) says…

Can anyone play this game? I think we should put a Chuck E. Cheese in that building with the weird statue on the north side of the 6th and Mass intersection.
13 November 2008
at 4:52 p.m.

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unelectable (Anonymous) says…

Two words: Waffle House
13 November 2008
at 4:53 p.m.

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Keith (Anonymous) says…

The site - which fronts 23rd Street - previously had been proposed for apartments. Have we finally reached a limit on apartment building?
13 November 2008
at 4:55 p.m.

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flux (Anonymous) says…

Sonny at dunkin donuts kicks ass!
13 November 2008
at 4:59 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

geniusmannumber1 (Anonymous) says: Can anyone play this game? I think we should put a Chuck E. Cheese in that building with the weird statue on the north side of the 6th and Mass intersection.–It's a tall building..how about a Casa Bonita with divers, then when we're parked at the lights, we have some entertainment.–The new auto thing on S. Iowas shut down already? wow.How about a Costco. In a not so well traveled place, so that people will drive there, where they might not for other businesses.Hows about a drive thru that serves a good breakfast all day?
13 November 2008
at 5 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says: LogicMan: Pet peeve of mine; it is Aldi. “I went to Aldi today.” “There needs to be a few more Aldi stores around.” We don't say, “I went to Walmarts” or “I went to Targets today.” There is NO 's' on the end of Aldi. Ever.–—Curtis..Have a drink.Have two!The holidays are still ahead of us fella, relax.:D

13 November 2008
at 5:21 p.m.

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persevering_gal (Anonymous) says…

Another Dunkin' Donuts is always a good thing! How about an Olive Garden too?!?!?Weatherman: What is going up in front of the Legends apartments? I have been wondering that myself.
13 November 2008
at 5:34 p.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

Multidisciplinary: You buyin'? :) lol
13 November 2008
at 5:58 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

“The new store - which would be on the northwest corner of the intersection - will include a drive-through lane. The store will be housed in a new 2,400-square-foot building that will replace the current building on the corner, which used to house a medical supply and equipment store.”I'm confused — I thought the only medical supply store was at Sixth and Maine. I think I'm gonna have to drive by there to figure this out.I haven't been to DD on 23rd since they remodeled — I know, a million years ago — but I really liked it then. Kind of old-timey, with the semicircular counter. I imagine it looks a lot more up-to-date now. I liked the folks running it, too.
13 November 2008
at 6:15 p.m.

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been_there (Anonymous) says…

If they opened one in KC, then nobody would pay commuters from Lawrence to bring donuts to work. It always made us a celebrity. I don't like Krispy Creme and every store and gas station sells them.
13 November 2008
at 6:16 p.m.

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ranger73 (Anonymous) says…

There is a different med supply store at 6th & Maine-that is on the Northeast corner. The dump that DD will replace is caddy corner from the local McDonalds franchise offices, and across the street from the payday loan place and Anderson Rentals. Yeah for a DD on this side of town!BTW Logic-Red Lobster tried to come in several years ago where Aldi now sits. The city did what ever they could to not let them build here so they said forget it. Probably still bad feelings from that-Don't think Olive Garden will pull the string either.A nice buffet style place to take the kids would be a good addition though. Ryans, Golden Corral-Not the best quality of food but a lot and cheap!
13 November 2008
at 6:21 p.m.

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dontcallmedan (Anonymous) says…

Waffle House-are you kidding? They should be forced by law to drop the “W”.
13 November 2008
at 6:22 p.m.

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Buggie7 (Anonymous) says…

Bring back carol lees or lamars !!!!!
13 November 2008
at 7:16 p.m.

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eel (Anonymous) says…

How about a Furrs, been missing it–still haven't gone to the new drug store where it sat

13 November 2008
at 7:23 p.m.

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KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…

KansasPerson, I thought the same at first…until I Google Map Street Viewed it, lol. Then the light bulb went on; especially since I would drive by it everyday to and from work when North Iowa was closed. Someone that drives by it now, are the weeds still growing all over the place? Does it still look like someone got hungry and took a bite out of the sign on the corner?
13 November 2008
at 7:55 p.m.

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superduper (Anonymous) says…

I really wanted to open a Braums out west. No ice cream out there but I think they are all company stores. They don't franchise.
13 November 2008
at 8:52 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Hate Krispy Kreme.Love DD, especially crullers.Lamars..those twists were out of this world, weren't they? One made three meals..if you let it.Best raised glazed donuts ever made in this town were made up at Rusty's Hillcrest. They were soft and over-sized, just perfect in flavor and glaze.. Missing the old days!—Curtis,Ronda is trying to talk me into driving to Lawrence for her over 40's club that she blogged about. They meet at 7 at Conroys. Then they go out to eat.If I make myself go (not dating quality right now), I'm let you know, and I'll buy those drinks!lol. Of course, then my 'signature mystique' will be a 'misnomer'.If it wasn't a 3 hr trip for me, I would have said that in the first place.Now I just have to figure out if the dog will again break out of his cage and destroy things while I'm gone..it was costly last time, and the cat was tramautized..would love to have a video of what happened around here.
13 November 2008
at 10:12 p.m.

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ranger73 (Anonymous) says…

Dam skippy OTR-Rather die fat and happy than living for ever eating manufactured sawdust that is “healthy” but tastes like mulch.Bring on the donuts!
13 November 2008
at 10:26 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Where is Merrill to oppose this?Where is his cut-and-paste?Can he not find a hole in this plan?Does the plan not roll too well?Will Merrill be cutting the lawn?What about the carbon footprint of the deep fryers used to cool the doughnuts?Maybe it's the coffee; will it all be “Free Trade”?What would Jaun Valdez say?
13 November 2008
at 10:33 p.m.

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Xwards (Anonymous) says…

Braums is out of Oklahoma City. Lawrence is too far away for them to maintain their quality and adequately service the location. But I do have to admit that they have good burgers, fries, and ice cream.
13 November 2008
at 11:10 p.m.

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wacipimo (Anonymous) says…

We need a Dicks sporting goods store!!!
14 November 2008
at 12:17 a.m.

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lubyloo (Anonymous) says…

I love Braums. Their butter pecan ice cream is out of this world. If there was a Braums in this town, I would be seriously dangerous. Anyone remember Amigos, which was on 23rd street near McDonalds and Ace Hardware in that teeny tiny building? I think there is a Japanese place there now. It is interesting that Lawrence has so many restaurants that are based in Nebraska — Runza is here, so is Godfather's Pizza. Amigos was the best though. Oh well. I wish this town had a Banana Republic, an Ann Taylor, and a Lowes. But that will probably never happen.

14 November 2008
at 8:36 a.m.

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persevering_gal (Anonymous) says…

Better yet, bring back Uno's!!!
14 November 2008
at 2:36 p.m.

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I_Bejewel (Anonymous) says…

“What is being done on the land in front of the Legends apartments on Clinton Pkwy?”I thought I heard they were building a Walgreen's there, but there seems like enough land there for more than just that. Don't know.
15 November 2008
at 9:27 p.m.

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Calliope877 (Anonymous) says…

That's cool!And I'm sure all the cops in the downtown area will be very happy! :)
15 November 2008
at 10:06 p.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

Church's Chicken!c'mon in! put one in north lawrence! one out east on 23rd, and maybe south iowa! KFC just isn't what it used to be, the Colonel would be spitting mad if he saw what they serve now! and, how about a Der Wienerschnitzel!, first one in kansas, put it there on w 6th, perfect.
15 November 2008
at 10:39 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Based on your comments, today I tried the Braum's in Emporia. I had the 1/6 lb burger with no onion, fries and DP.The fries were soft crinkle cut fries. My favorite. If they had been cooked perhaps 15 more seconds..and were served warmer, they would have been the best. It was a cold day here, but still, I used the drive thru, parked there and ate the fries immediately, and they just weren't nearly as warm/hot as they should have been.The burger was well, sorry to say it, but near pitiful. First, the bun itself was more like a roll. Meaning the slightly yellow dinner roll. Turmeric.A nice flavor, but thicker dough than a regular bun. If I had been eating Dinty Moore type stew, it would have be good with that.The portion of bread to 'insides' , well, the bread was just far too much.Will give them 100% for the lettuce and tomato, that was great, pretty crisp, nice size.They use a sauce, which she described to me as a mix of ketchup and mustard.There was too little of it to even notice any flavor..I had to open the bun to see it at all.The meat was properly done..but lacked any flavor at all. Being a small burger, it was overpowered by that bun, and needed some kind of flavoring to hold it up. I added ketchup and salt as that was all I had.I was hoping for something more like Lawrence's old Griff's burger. (Not the other out of town ones..they didn't compare)Oh, for a giant cheeseburger from Griffs!
15 November 2008
at 10:44 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

What is the best flovor of ice cream at Braum's?
16 November 2008
at 4:47 a.m.

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leadstone (Anonymous) says…

It's nice to see DD's still holding up and not selling out to serve lackluster wares and worse service. “Dimple Donuts” took all the joy out of eating a donut…and that takes a LOT. Oh, and I miss Bonanza, and Shoney's breakfast buffet. Mmmmm, almost breakfastime, so hurry up and rebuild.
18 November 2008
at 6:50 p.m.

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witchfindergeneral (Anonymous) says…

Donut rain on this sugary parade, Dunkin' haters.