Dunkin' Donuts Latest Addition to Norris

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University will add a Dunkin’ Donuts to the Norris University Center food court in spring. The plan is part of an ongoing effort to draw more traffic to Norris by bringing in brand name retailers and sprucing up student meeting and lounge space.

“We’re always trying to keep the environment fresh, to keep people coming back to the heart of campus,” said Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, assistant vice president for student auxiliary services.

Norris added a new Subway sandwich shop in fall, and the existing Starbucks received a facelift during winter break. Dunkin’ Donuts will replace Frontera Fresco’s frozen yogurt station next quarter, but the Frontera cookies and dessert bars will still be available.

Students have asked for more variety at Norris, according to Kelly Schaefer, executive director of Norris.

“Variety, cost effectiveness and branding are the three things students want most,” she said. “Dunkin’ Donuts meets these needs, based on surveys and conversations with student leaders. Plus, many of our students come from the East Coast, and they bring from there a lot of loyalty to that particular brand.”

Dunkin’ Donuts will expand the range of campus dining options, providing a complement -- not competition -- to Starbucks, according to officials. Coffee aficionados know the two brands are quite different in style and taste.

“They reflect separate customer profiles,” said Steve Mangan, district manager for nuCuisine. “And this will enhance our ability to serve everyone.”

Mangan also noted the Dunkin’ Donuts menu eventually will be available through campus catering, which means faculty and staff can order up coffee and donuts for meetings.