Dunkin' Donuts franchising growth (1950-1965)
William Rosenberg founded Dunkin' Donuts in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. He began franchising in the 1950s, letting independent operators open shops under the brand.
The chain expanded quickly across New England and then the rest of the country.
Franchising made the brand's growth depend on thousands of local owners, each needing local permits and approvals.
This single permit application is one instance of a chain built on thousands of individually permitted locations.
