Dunkin' Franchisees Part Ways with Strategic Supplier

BELLINGHAM, Mass. (Blue MauMau) - In a sign of growing strength, a group that represents Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners has announced it is parting ways with a strategic vendor to go it alone.

Dunkin' Donuts Independent Franchise Owners today announced, "At this time, the DDIFO leadership has decided to discontinue its relationship with the National Association Management Group (NAMG)."

NAMG is headed by CEO Frank Capaldo. It offers franchise owners critical business services that franchising firms often do not, such as group health insurance, credit card services, leasing, employee drug testing and back-office solutions. Capaldo is also chairman of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations. Both DDIFO and the Coalition were active in lobbying for the Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act, a law that was issued in 2007 to protect franchise owners (dealerships) from unfair treatment by franchisors. Although franchisor Dunkin' Donuts and the International Franchise Association unsuccessfully pressed to eliminate the law earlier this year, they did succeed in modifying it.

In today's statement, the DDIFO declares, "We recognize the excellent work NAMG provides and commend its efforts strengthening the Burger King Franchisee community into a vital franchise organization. However, with its new leadership, the DDIFO has decided we can better serve our members by building our own infrastructure and keeping related services within our group. We hope to achieve the same level of success that NAMG has demonstrated as we continue to grow and expand."

The National Association Management Group could not be contacted for comment.

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