Opening of Dunkin' Donuts draws a crowd

After months of waiting and a weekslong countdown outside the building, Dunkin’ Donuts officially opened its doors in Cape Girardeau at 5 a.m. Tuesday. The rain, sleet and snow did not keep the crowds away.

“The weather, I think, really helped,” Michael T. Crouch, co-owner of the Cape Girardeau Dunkin’ Donuts, said. “When people think of snow, they think of coffee and doughnuts.”

The restaurant’s opening day brought a drive-through line that stretched around the building and a parking lot so full, cars were parked on the street. The brightly lit pink and orange lobby seats about 25 customers. By midmorning, every chair was occupied.

“You couldn’t really ask for more. It’s been a great opening day,” Crouch said.

Activity was observed inside the shop in the weeks leading up to opening day. On Friday, the Cape Girardeau Police Department was invited to help with training at the doughnut shop.

Dunkin’ Donuts serves breakfast and lunch, featuring sandwiches and hash browns alongside its doughnuts and other assorted baked goods.

The new restaurant is owned by Crouch, Timothy Nathan Thomas, Carl Ritter Jr., Rick Sample and Dr. Christopher Reis of MRCTC LLC.

“It’s 100 percent locally owned,” Crouch said. “Every one of our partners lives in Cape Girardeau or Jackson.”

Dunkin’ Donuts is at 1001 N. Kingshighway, where Houch’s Donuts once stood. The store is one of more than 3,100 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in more than 30 countries, according to the company’s website. The restaurant chain has been in business for more than 40 years.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

1001 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.