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First in line at the new Dunkin’ at 8405 N. Navarro St. on Friday was Amanda Constancio, who said she has coffee running through her veins. Now, some of that coffee will be free from Dunkin’ for a year.
Amanda Constancio and her father-in-law Jesse Constancio, both of Victoria, were at the front of the line for the grand opening festivities at the new Dunkin' at 8405 N. Navarro St. on Friday.
Dozens stand in line waiting for the new Dunkin' on North Navarro Street to open Friday morning.
Jessica Varriences and husband "Lucky" Varriences are toward the back of the line at the new Dunkin' on North Navarro Street on Friday.
Dunkin' representatives prepare for their give-away of bling and coupons for free coffee at the new store on North Navarro Street on Friday.
These aren't beer taps. Rather, they're the Next Gen way of serving up cold brew coffee, including, at left, the Nitro brew, which is carbonated cold brew.
Joshua Diaz, a manager with the franchise company Sizzling Platter, talks about the new Dunkin' location on North Navarro Street.
Doughnuts are on display at the new Dunkin' location on North Navarro Street.
Coffee, tea and other items are on sale at the new Dunkin' store on North Navarro Street.
Dunkin' embraces Victoria inside the store on North Navarro Street.
Signs for Dunkin’ donuts, McAlister’s Deli and Arby’s beckon to passing drivers on North Navarro Street.
First in line at the new Dunkin’ at 8405 N. Navarro St. on Friday was Amanda Constancio, who said she has coffee running through her veins. Now, some of that coffee will be free from Dunkin’ for a year.
Amanda Constancio and her father-in-law Jesse Constancio, both of Victoria, were at the front of the line for the grand opening festivities at the new Dunkin' at 8405 N. Navarro St. on Friday.
Dozens stand in line waiting for the new Dunkin' on North Navarro Street to open Friday morning.
Dunkin' representatives prepare for their give-away of bling and coupons for free coffee at the new store on North Navarro Street on Friday.
Joshua Diaz, a manager with the franchise company Sizzling Platter, talks about the new Dunkin' location on North Navarro Street.
Dunkin' embraces Victoria inside the store on North Navarro Street.
The new Dunkin’ on North Navarro Street officially opened on Friday morning with a crowd, giveaways, bling and a whole new concept inside.
The store, 8405 N. Navarro St., has been open during a shake-out period, but starting Friday it was all coffee and doughnuts all the time. It is one of five fast-food restaurants opening on North Navarro. The others are Burger King, Arby’s McAlister’s Deli and Taco Bueno. Taco Bueno is the only one of the so-called “Fab Five” awaiting its opening, but signs out front said managers are hiring.
As part of Dunkin’s grand opening, the franchise store was giving away coupon books good for four free coffees a month for 14 months to the day’s first 100 guests, plus other goodies like keychains, cup holders and coupons for coffee a day through the end of November.
Waiting at the front of the line was Amanda Constancio and her father-in-law Jesse Constancio, both of Victoria, who arrived at 7:45 a.m. and 7:46 a.m., respectively. They were No. 1 and No. 2 out of the 100 who would receive special gifts for the grand opening.
Signs for Dunkin’ donuts, McAlister’s Deli and Arby’s beckon to passing drivers on North Navarro Street.
“If I donate blood, it’s coffee,” Amanda Constancio said, admitting her need for her daily does of caffeine. “I got the kids off at school,” she said. “Free is my calling.”
When the last location of the chain left Victoria about a dozen years ago, the shops were known as Dunkin’ Donuts. More recently, the company rebranded itself as Dunkin’ and now emphasizes its coffee products over its doughnuts and other pastries.
“Now it’s probably more about the coffee then the doughnuts,” Constancio said. “Coffee people will keep coming back.”
These aren't beer taps. Rather, they're the Next Gen way of serving up cold brew coffee, including, at left, the Nitro brew, which is carbonated cold brew.
“You got famous for donuts,” added Jesse Constancio, “and now it’s more.”
That’s exactly right, company officials agree.
Inside the new store, Joshua Diaz, a manager with the franchise company Sizzling Platter, said what sets this Dunkin’ store apart from old Dunkin’ Donuts shops is its new tap system, which looks more like a pub serving a different kind of brew than one serving coffee products. Diaz called it part of Dunkin’s “Next Gen.”
Doughnuts are on display at the new Dunkin' location on North Navarro Street.
“We run all our iced coffee and cold brew, and exclusive to the Next Gen will be our Nitro, which is a carbonated cold brew, which is something you won’t see anywhere other than the Next Gen.” He said it’s a little lighter, “but just as refreshing. It gives you that same kick as the original cold brew.”
The Next Gen store also has a new look with new shelving and merchandise.
Still, the growing line of people had to wait for their peek inside until the ceremonies got underway later in the morning. Franchisee Dallen Rowe and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation cut the ribbon and presented a $1,000 check to Boys & Girls Club of Victoria.
Though she was toward the end of the line, Jessica Varriences called the event and give-away “exciting.”
Jessica Varriences and husband "Lucky" Varriences are toward the back of the line at the new Dunkin' on North Navarro Street on Friday.
“It’s actually pretty exciting,” she said. “I mean, I didn’t necessarily know this was going on until this morning. I’m lucky that I’m even here.”
As she stood in line, Varriences held a cup of none other than coffee.
Coffee, tea and other items are on sale at the new Dunkin' store on North Navarro Street.
“Yes, it is,” she confessed. “I’m a coffee addict. So I definitely have to have my coffee with me.”
And now, she can have it chilled and carbonated, too.
Keith Kohn is executive editor of The Victoria Advocate. He joined The Advocate after many years as local editor at newspapers in Florida, South Carolina, New York and California. Reach him at kkohn@vicad.com
Dunkin' opened its Next Gen store on North Navarro Street on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
Keith Kohn is executive editor of The Victoria Advocate. He joined The Advocate after many years as local editor at newspapers in Florida, South Carolina, New York and California. Reach him at kkohn@vicad.com
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Bump Willie was a terrific cousin, brother, son, nephew, friend and more. You will be truly missed.
I remember Willie back in High School days when he played Ball. He was a pretty good athlete with a great attitude. Friendly to other schools and athletes.
There are just no words...My heart is broken for you all. Know that you are loved deeply.
There are just no words...My heart is broken for you all. Know that you are loved deeply.
We are deeply sorry for your loss and will continue to keep you all in thoughts and prayers.
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