Back in June, Get The Coast first reported that Dunkin’ was looking to open a new commercial bakery and distribution center in Okaloosa County.

Now, it’s a go as Purple Square Management, a Tampa-based management company that operates over 205 franchise locations in nine states – including 95 Dunkin’ / Baskin Robbins stores throughout Florida and Alabama – has selected Okaloosa County for their new, state-of-the-art facility. 

The 24,500 SF facility will be developed on a four acre parcel located within the Okaloosa Industrial Air Park – land that was previously certified as “shovel ready” through Gulf Power’s Florida First Sites program. 

• The company’s real estate holding company closed on the purchase of the property with the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on October 28, 2021.

The total cost of constructing and equipping the new facility is projected to be approximately $4.5 million, and 60 new jobs are expected to be created as the company scales up to full production. 

• To help make this happen, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners previously approved an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption award for the company and discounted the purchase price for the Adora Teal Way parcel.

“We applaud the decision by Purple Square Management and Dunkin’ brands to construct their new commercial bakery and distribution operation in the Okaloosa County Industrial Air Park and welcome the new jobs they will provide.  Okaloosa County’s dynamic combination of favorable operating costs, efficient access to I-10 and top notch training partnerships will be instrumental in their continued success,” stated Paul Mixon, Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 1. 

Purple Square Management has initiated the 12 week facility design process and anticipates that facility construction will begin in Spring 2022. 

• Those interested in employment opportunities at the new facility should monitor the Careers section of the Purple Square Management website, which may be found at www.purplesquaremgmt.com/careers/

“With 30 stores and two currently under construction in the Florida panhandle, we know the area quite well.  The decision to build our manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County represents a new chapter for us, and we look forward to employing local people who share our commitment to delivering high quality products in the safest and most cost efficient manner possible,” stated Vik Patel, President & CEO, Purple Square Management.

According to the terms with the county, here’s what Dunkin’ plans to do:

• Construct a new facility consisting of 24,500 square feet of Food Manufacturing space
• Through December 31, 2022, Dunkin’ invest a minimum of $4,459,585 in the construction of a new facility, including the purchase of new equipment.
• Create at least 10 full-time equivalent jobs paying an average annual wage equal to or in excess of 110% of the average annual wage for Okaloosa County during each of the tax years for which the EDATE Exemption is sought.
• Hire locals: Dunkin’ shall use its best efforts to hire employees residing within Okaloosa County and to use local suppliers for its goods and services.

💰 About the money: Average wage of the 10 new employees will be $50,000 (110% of the average wage in Okaloosa County)