US doughnut brand sweetens the deal with 20 Leeds jobs

US SWEET baked goods giant Dunkin’ Donuts is opening its first Northern “combo” store in conjunction with Baskin-Robbins, at the Merrion Centre in Leeds.

The firm is creating 20 jobs at the site at a former bar on the corner of Merrion Street and Woodhouse Lane.

Spring Petroleum, represented by CBRE, and Merrion Centre owners Town Centre Securities have signed a 10-year lease on the 5,000 sq ft space.

Founded in 1950 and growing globally since 1970, Dunkin’ Donuts has over 11,000 locations in 33 countries with the majority of its restaurants franchisee owned and operated.

Franchise partner Jabir Sheth, managing director at Spring Petroleum said: “This store is a really exciting opening for us. We’re confident that it will be inundated by shoppers and nearby office employees, students and show goers from the first direct Arena.

“We will be opening our doors on Wednesday 12 August and are currently recruiting 20 members of staff for various roles.

“We look forward to working in partnership with franchisor Dunkin’ Brands to bring this much-loved brand to the Merrion Centre and the wider Arena Quarter area.”

Helen Green, associate director at TCS said: “This new signing is another great addition to the Merrion Centre, which has already been bolstered this year with new tenants Crawshaws butchers and Bubble Bubble bubble tea shop, Sing Kee and the Humpit pop up stall.

“We offer a great range of food and drink outlets including tenants such as Café Nero, Costa, My Thai and Bulgogi Grill.”