Jon Luther, executive chairman of Dunkin' Brands, tells CNBC reporter Mario Bartiromo that the CIT bankruptcy has had no impact on the ability of Dunkin' Brands or its franchisees to obtain loans. “We will open net stores of over 500,” Luther announced about the private company (see video below). The chairman said that Dunkin franchisees had simply shifted to local banks to expand instead of using previous small business lender CIT, which filed Chapter 11 protection in November and now is in governance overhaul as it emerges from bankruptcy.

Do Dunkin’ franchise owners see access to capital as not a problem? Or is Luther simply trying to sell note holders and private equity firms that all is well at Dunkin' Brands, Inc.? Please weigh in.