USA – Dunkin Brands Group, an American global doughnut company, has announced that it will invest approximately US$100 million in a refurbishment of its Dunkin’ Donuts chain, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

The development will see 50 test stores across the United States better equipped to serve customers ordering on mobile devices, including dedicated pickup areas, digital kiosks and expanded drive-through windows.

While part of the investment will be put into infrastructure and training, WSJ reports the majority will be used on store equipment that assists the “on-the-go beverage strategy”.

“We believe this is a unique chapter in our brand’s history,” Dunkin’ Brands Finance Chief Katerine Jaspon told Wall Street Journal.

“Which is why we are contributing significant capital alongside our franchisees for the first time.”

Dunkin’s investment has been attributed to concerns over increased competition with Starbucks and McDonalds in the US.

Additionally, in the coffee and retail market, Nestlé and Starbucks Corporation announced a deal which Nestlé had perpetual rights to market Starbucks Consumer Packaged Goods and Foodservice products globally, outside of the company’s coffee shops.

Coca-Cola also acquired the British chain Costa Limited, valued at US$5.1 billion, giving it a strong coffee platform and expanding its market.

Dunkin’ opened its first next generation concept store in Quincy, Massachusetts in January this year.

Dunkin’ Donuts recently partnered with Alexa to launch an online ordering process.