Dunkin' Opens First Merced Location

The 1,800-square-foot restaurant, locally owned and operated, opened with a grand opening event in Merced, California.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Dunkin' opened its first location in Merced, California, with a grand opening event held on Friday. The 1,800-square-foot restaurant is locally owned and operated and serves Dunkin' coffee, donuts and breakfast items.

Why it matters

The opening adds a Dunkin' option to Merced's food and beverage market, giving local residents a new place for coffee and breakfast. The restaurant's energy-efficient design reflects the brand's broader sustainability efforts.

The restaurant is 1,800 square feet and employs approximately 30 crew members, with daily hours of 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is designed to save 25% more energy than a standard Dunkin' restaurant, though measured results are not yet reported.

The players

Dunkin'

Dunkin' is a global quick-service coffee and baked goods chain known for its coffee, donuts and breakfast sandwiches.

The details

The location uses Dunkin's Next Generation design and features a tap system for cold beverages, including Cold Brew and Nitro-Infused Cold Brew, along with espresso machines for handcrafted drinks. It is a DD Green Achievement restaurant.

Friday: grand opening event held at the Merced location.

Market Landscape

The Merced opening applies Dunkin's Next Generation store design, which pairs cold-beverage taps and espresso equipment with energy-saving features. It extends that format into a new Central Valley market where quick-service coffee competition is established.

Merced residents now have a local Dunkin' for coffee, cold brews and breakfast items during daily hours from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant's cold-beverage menu and early opening hours offer a new morning option close to home.

The takeaway

Small, locally operated franchise openings can add convenient everyday options for residents. Checking hours and menu options before a visit helps readers plan around a new location.