When you think of Dunkin', the first thing that normally comes to mind isn't a salad. However, that's all about to change... Potentially.
Around the world, Dunkin' has specialized in donuts with flavors that range from classic to practically unheard of. In recent years, they've placed an even bigger emphasis on their coffee drinks and flavors, which is now one of the things they're most well-known for. Breakfast sandwiches have also been added to the list along with healthier, lighter options for the same breakfast flavors we all know and love and, now, salads might be the newest addition to the list. It might not be something that was ever expected from the chain but it's something that seems to have gained approval from fans, especially those who are looking to pad their daily coffee orders, and their lunches, with something a little more nutritious.
So, while it's not donuts or coffee that this article is focusing on, it's the newest menu item that could just make Dunkin' a premiere destination for many seeking to expand their lunch options. And, on the part of Dunkin', it's a bravo for expanding its menu to appeal to a wide array of people, completely revolutionizing its concept.
The Partnership That Could Change Dunkin'
The partnership that Dunkin' has recently signed into is one with Farmer's Fridge, which has a reputation for excellence in terms of its wholesome, nutritious, and healthy meal options. Dunkin' isn't the first to partner with another company that sports healthy foods, as other chain coffee shops, such as Starbucks, have followed suit, even furthering their brunch and lunch options to include sandwiches for dine-in and to-go. While this is Dunkin's first crack at something that isn't necessarily breakfast-themed, the Chicago-based partner company is bound to help them turn what was once a strict breakfast menu into something a bit more wide-reaching and healthy.
Farmer's Fridge specializes in things such as buffalo chicken ranch salads and almond butter oat bowls, according to Food & Wine, and has previously sold their items through a vending machine-type of quick lunch, called automated smart fridges. The company was created back in 2013 and has nearly eight years of history behind it specializing in the types of healthy additions that Dunkin' is clearly seeking to add to its menus in the future. More Farmer's Fridge options include healthy and light pasta salads and whole grains, including snacks that have been created with unique blends and hearty, filling nutrition in mind. Farmer's Fridge has introduced these smart fridges all over Chicago as well as in six states in total, and, now, three Chicago Dunkin' locations are putting Farmer's Fridge to the test to see how it goes. An additional three Dunkin' locations in New Jersey are also trying the new option and it's too soon to determine whether or not it will succeed enough to implement nationwide.
The CEO of Farmer's Fridge stated in an interview with the Tribune: "...if we can figure out how to put this in every Dunkin' we would absolutely do that. It's not that these chains don't want to offer them (salads and other healthy alternatives), it's that the supply chain has made it hard in the past. Seven years in, we are able to provide a solution to solve a problem." Supposedly, the company has plans with other fast-food chains over the next year and a half, but Dunkin' is the first partnership of its kind for Farmer's Fridge. However, it's still too early to determine whether or not the change will be good - or welcomed - by everyone, despite the fact that it seems to have a positive outlook at this point. The ultimate telltale will be whether or not customers and employees respond positively to the test sites where these Farmer's Fridge smart fridges will be installed and, even then, it's not certain whether this will become a nationwide trend.
It is the hope of both companies that the change is well-received, as it would add diversity and an increased capacity to Dunkin' locations when it comes to those who don't necessarily want donuts or a breakfast sandwich. While the chain does offer options that are lower in fat and even healthier sandwiches, such as those offered on whole-grain bread and with eggwhites as alternatives. Dunkin's drink menu also offers healthy alternatives as they've been heavily embracing the alternative milk route, as well as sugar-free flavor pumps and herbal options, such as matcha.