This Army Vet Loves Dunkin' So Much, He Opens Locations On Military Bases Across The US
A good cup of coffee can really make or break a morning, and finding that perfect cup was a struggle for veteran George J. Hart throughout his 25 years of service. Because of this, he took it upon himself to ensure that no active military members have to face the same challenge—he's now bringing Dunkin' to military bases across the United States.
As a New Jersey native, Hart says he "grew up on Dunkin'," according to Nation's Restaurant News. He felt that military bases were underserved when it came to breakfast and, in particular, coffee. Hart opened his first Dunkin' location back in 2016 at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. Now, he has 11 locations in military bases across the nation in Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Bringing Dunkin' to military locations isn't so simple because there are government procedures that need to be followed that differ compared to franchising on off-base property. For example, you may not be able to choose where exactly your store or business will be on the base. On the other hand, there is not as much market competition because it only serves people on-base.
Customers may be few there, but they're loyal. This is why Hart makes it a point to really take care of his customers. “One of my big sayings with my staff is 'We’re supporting people who support our freedom,'" Hart told the outlet. "Every coffee that goes across that counter means something. It sounds like a small thing, but it's a big thing."
In Hart's Dunkin' stores, many of the employees have a personal connection to the military and armed forces. About 50 percent of the people working are either a veteran or a relative of a service member. Hart is currently working on opening new locations in more military bases across the country. As of right now, Texas, Ohio, Utah, Arizona and Kansas, are all on his list.
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