Dunkin Donuts Tests First NorCal ‘Store of the Future’ | Eater SF

"When it opens at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28 at 4383 Clayton Rd. in Concord, I’ll be looking at a sleek, next-generation Dunkin’ that’s the first of its kind in Northern California and one of only fifty planned in 2018. The store tests pared-back signage that reads only “Dunkin’,” and its design emphasizes speed and reduced labor with digital kiosks, ramped-up mobile ordering and curbside delivery to challenge Starbucks. Product offerings shift toward specialty beverages — iced tea, cold brew and nitro cold brew on tap, upgraded espresso equipment, and a new machine that grinds and brews each cup to order in a Philz-style “one cup at a time” approach. The grab-and-go section is expanded (bananas, apples, “mini oranges,” grapes, squeezable applesauce pouches, beef jerky and more) for people who can’t wait for coffee or a yogurt parfait, and doughnuts will still be sold — likely displayed closer to customers in large glass cases if the Quincy, MA iteration is any indication. To kick things off, the first 100 people in line will get free coffee for a year, so fans should expect a long night." - Ellen Fort