New Dunkin' store features drive-thru for mobile orders, self-order kiosks

Dunkin' Donuts has opened a new concept store designed for customers on the go, featuring what the company says is the first drive-thru exclusively for mobile orders.

Among the concept store's other features are kiosks where people can order without the help of a staffer, a dedicated area where people who ordered using the chain's mobile app may pick up their food and drinks and a bigger grab-and-go section, including GoGo Squeez applesauce, Yoplait yogurt parfaits and beef jerky.

Customers will also notice new architecture — an open layout and lighter colored materials — and new employee uniforms — new headwear and staff T-shirts, emblazoned with messages such as “Fueled by Positive Energy” and “Drink Coffee. Be Awesome.”  

“We have worked closely with our franchisee community to create a positive, energetic atmosphere for our guests that remains true to our heritage while emphasizing and enhancing the unparalleled convenience, digital innovation and restaurant excellence that distinguishes Dunkin’," said Dave Hoffmann, president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada. "We are thrilled to begin the New Year with such an exciting milestone for our brand."

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This next-generation location in Quincy, Mass., is also one of the places where the chain is testing signage that drops the word "Donuts" from the name.

The new 2,200-square-foot location is approximately a mile from where the first Dunkin' Donuts opened 68 years ago.

The chain plans to use an estimated 30 locations to test the new design in 2018.

This is the company's third big change since the start of the new year. Dunkin' Donuts launched its smaller menu in New England and upstate New York last week and plans to introduce that 10% smaller lineup nationally by the end of March. The chain said dropping several sandwiches and certain smoothie, muffin and bagel flavors will make ordering faster and more accurate.

And Dunkin Donuts announced in a Jan. 4 blog post that its doughnuts no longer contain artificial dyes.

"This is all part of a larger initiative to offer our guests simpler ingredients and cleaner menu labels," the company wrote. "We previously pledged to eliminate artificial dyes from all of our food and beverages in the U.S. by the end of 2018."

The Dunkin' Brands Group also owns ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Zlati Meyer on Twitter: @ZlatiMeyer