A new Dunkin’ Donuts opened its doors in Bayside on Sept. 14 – and will soon feature the borough’s first Jimmy John’s as well.
Previously there was a Bean Square coffee shop on the corner spot on Northern Boulevard and 211th Street. Unlike the international coffee giant, the shop was independent and roasted their own beans daily on site. They closed over a year ago.
Currently there are two other Dunkin’ locations on Northern Boulevard in Bayside. The closest one is a drive-thru less than a mile away on 220th Street. And in the opposite direction, another stands another 1.5 miles away on 166th Street.
“In a way, we’re taking our own business,” said Javed Minaj, director of operations for a network of 22 Dunkin’ locations across NYC, including the other locations in Bayside.
This new location will share the space with Jimmy John’s, a national sandwich chain, that will be fully operational in about a month, according to the manager. It will be the first Jimmy John’s to land in Queens. The chain has other locations in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill, Midtown Manhattan and Jersey City.
While most of the seats were unclaimed during a rainy afternoon on Sept. 18, employees said that the barely week-old store has experienced a morning rush already. And while it’s not yet listed on Google Maps, the store is open everyday from 5:30 a.m to 10:30 p.m.
This location is considered a “Next Generation” Dunkin’ store. The concept features a Tap System that offers various cold beverages on tap, including the new nitro infused cold brew, original blend, black tea and green tea. And unlike in old stores, the doughnut case now sits closer to customers on line instead of against the back wall where employees prepare drinks.
A large sign that reads “Bayside Runs on Dunkin’” also greets customers walking in. The local touch is also part of the rebranding to give each location a community element. While the nearby Dunkin’ on Francis Lewis Boulevard was renovated to match the Next Gen aesthetic, this is the first location in the area to open as a Next Gen store from the get go.
The new spot will also have a drive-thru in the near future, but for now the window is being used as a pedestrian friendly pickup spot for mobile orders. When the drive-thru does open, a sign will go up outside the front of the store to let drivers know. There is also an outdoor seating area with umbrellas for shade.
For at least the next week, customers who purchase a sandwich can get a free medium hot coffee as part of the new store’s promotion.
