Dunkin’ employee Monnette Martin talks to a co-worker about cups Wednesday inside the new store, which recently had a soft opening at 1197 NM 528. Photo by Argen Marie Duncan.
Get ready to be Dunkin’: The doughnut and coffee shop is open in Rio Rancho.
The new Dunkin’ at 1197 NM 528 had a soft opening May 22. It’s open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Franchise partner and Operations Manager Saleem Rahim said he hopes to have a grand opening when employees are settled in their new jobs.
He plans to pick a date and announce it later.
Rahim said the response to Dunkin’ has been wonderful.
“People love coming in,” he said. “This is a new (store) design for the brand, very sleek, very modern.”
Customers seem to enjoy getting a good look at the products in the glass case when they’re deciding what to buy, he said.
Staffing has been a challenge everywhere, Rahim said, but with high school students available now, he has a full staff. In the long-term, he expects to employ 30 or 35 people.
The Rio Rancho Dunkin’ is the eighth the partnership runs in New Mexico.
“We definitely saw the demand,” he said, explaining his reasons for coming to Rio Rancho.
The partners wanted a presence on a main arterial road and found their ideal location on the west side of NM 528, just north of Barbara Loop. Rahim said they’re looking for the right location along Unser Boulevard, needing one with enough room for a drive thru.
“We love being part of the community and to bring jobs to the city and have a brand presence,” he said.
Local Dunkin’ franchise partner and Operations Manager Saleem Rahim stands in the outdoor dining area at the store on NM 528. Photo by Argen Marie Duncan.
