Latest News About Dunkin Donuts Canada Ltd.

Dunkin Donuts Canada Ltd. is planning a major comeback in Canada in 2026-2027, led by Foodtastic under Inspire Brands, with hundreds of new locations expected nationwide (starting in Toronto and Montreal). The move marks Dunkin’s return to a Canadian market it exited in 2018 after Quebec franchisees sued over brand promotion, and executives project rapid expansion to 600–700 locations, including about 200 in Quebec, over the next few years.[1][3][5]

Key points

• Background: Dunkin previously operated in Canada but left in 2018; a civil judgment and withdrawal followed at that time.[3]
• Current development: Foodtastic secured exclusive national development rights from Inspire Brands (Dunkin’s owner) to reintroduce Dunkin across Canada.[1]
• Expansion plan: Initial openings in Ontario and Quebec with a strategic rollout to other provinces; targets include hundreds of stores, potentially 600–700 locations within a few years, depending on market conditions.[5][3]
• Timing: First locations anticipated as early as late 2026 or early 2027, with gradual ramp-up toward a store-per-week pace during rollout phases.[3][5]

What this could mean for you

• If you’re in Southern Ontario or Quebec, you’re likely to see Dunkin stores first, with a focus on major urban centers before expanding outward.[3]
• Given Tim Hortons’ dominance in Canada, Dunkin’s return represents a notable competitive development in the coffee and baked-goods segment.[3]

Illustration

• A timeline example: 2026 announcement of exclusive Canadian master franchise rights → late 2026/early 2027 first openings in Toronto and Montreal → annual store openings with expansion to other provinces over the following years (as reported by CBC and local outlets).[5][3]

Citations

• Dunkin’s comeback plan and master franchise agreement with Foodtastic under Inspire Brands, including initial markets and expansion scope.[1][3]
• Past exit from Canada in 2018 and the related legal/branding context that preceded the current effort.[3]
• Reported timing and rollout details from CBC News and related outlets in May 2026.[3]