Dunkin' Donuts defends marketing agreements beyond franchises

[0:00]" Are you planning to meet with the new board and and if you could give us some sort of overview on. How that the company is dealing with their their franchisees."

[0:07]" I'd be happy to have an elitist right some some time -- context well we certainly respect I would take franchisees that make up the membership of the PDI FO. And as well you know Padilla goes right to voice their opinions on their perceptions of the franchise or French and usually ships. You know I think it's important state they had no official ties to work company and war our elected franchisee advisory councils so when additionally when -- state upfront that we currently work very closely -- elaborately and successfully when their car and brand advisory council. Cuba exec -- you know executed clear prioritize results driven. -- 2008 and just clarified that back as we call under the brand advisory council is elected an official body -- it's important state that. That is made up of both franchisees which are elected by their peers franchisee peers in corporate executives which are pointed out by the company and the goal heirs to both gain in sustain alignment on the most important strategic initiatives. So you know what I can also values that without a doubt this selected brand advisory council. Has strong and vibrant focus to keep the brand relevant. For customers of which and number one priority in all of -- Dunkin' Donuts franchisees and which currently number you know over 1200. So while we'll continue to focus on the equality of our core business which is as you know as the breakfast -- part we are also expanding our portfolio products and the manner in which we prepared them for AM and PM -- parts and for example of that -- important is that now we just rolled out our new oven toasted platform -- but that sandwiches pizzas and these products are being extremely well received by both. Franchisees or customers so that's that's sort of so the question to how do we deal or -- that he had -- They are certainly members of the DD IFO that we respect our franchisees and our system but -- we've had for several decades now system but -- advisory councils that we work with to work to work elaborately and strategic -- that's. That's how we communicate with franchisees not through the media as well."

[2:26]" Where's there a schedule of meetings with. The PD IFO at some point has that changed -- that relationship with this group change --"

[2:36]" You know I don't you know we don't recognize it needed the FO so therefore we do not meet with the DD IFO you know it's a pretty unique situation you know because IC. The members of the media folks some by the way and you know we have a big system as -- just -- across the whole country so we're talking about a small segment. A franchisees that are members of idea follow. So we know we we are the stewards for the brand that not just in Providence and Boston in New York Philadelphia. But now in 34 states as we continue expanding new markets like Phoenix Indianapolis and Las Vegas so you know we have to. We have to manage and protect the brand. For a growing. Number of franchisees many of which that are current franchisees in the -- have expanded their footprint. Outside of their current market where there are so."

[3:30]" Well let me ask you have you had mostly positive response. From your franchise owners to the expansion of the Duncan brand coffee beans the bad -- sales. And the fact they are available in many places you know obviously helps brand recognition and distribution and also. Now a developing your name in areas where there aren't that many don't condone it oh. So but the question is have you had much feedback from your franchise owners about that that change with do you agree with Procter & Gamble."

[4:02]" Yeah I would say the majority of our franchisees and well let me just say so so when it comes to these recent strategic partnerships that are talking about. So let's just talk a little bit we've done franchise and we don't strategic alliances and certainly. Absent Procter & Gamble so for example you know our relationship with half sincerely went -- the brand areas that in. You know are primarily outside of knowing when. Up and down east coast generally. You know the in many markets western Mississippi so another important point here to Anthony's sad you know. Also allows us to increase our advertising reach. Not only in new and emerging markets but also in our core markets such as Boston Providence New York -- markets that are and as part of our deal with Procter & Gamble. From our franchisees are well aware that were delivering on an equity sharing program with them that could offset any potential impact from the sales of -- copy"