Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ Donuts Partner Up for New San Diego Location
Fast food fans in San Diego County will soon have more options for combined concepts, as the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain and Dunkin’ Donuts open joint locations in downtown San Diego and the San Diego State University College Area. The popular franchises are being brought to San Diego by franchisee Tali Burton, whose Burton Foods company already operates 15 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the county.
Burton Foods has signed an exclusive contract to open 27 branches of Jimmy John’s in San Diego County. The first of these combined concepts is set to open later this year in the Topaz Apartments in the College Area near San Diego State University. The second outpost will be in the 605 C Street Building, currently under construction in downtown San Diego, with an anticipated opening date in 2024.
Burton Foods has plans to open more Jimmy John’s fast-casual eateries all over San Diego County, including in Chula Vista, Eastlake, Encinitas, North County, and beach areas. The company will partner with military bases to open Jimmy John’s branches on military sites.
Jimmy John’s menu features “Freaky Fast” sandwiches, including the Spicy East Coast Italian and the Jimmy Cubano. But, the chain has faced some controversies over the years. In 2011, photos emerged of the company’s founder posing with dead big game animals, resulting in criticism from animal rights groups. Early in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to the company outlining evidence of several outbreaks of human infections with e-coli, claiming the evidence demonstrated a pattern of receiving and selling spoiled produce, specifically clover sprouts and cucumbers.
Despite the controversies, the combined concepts of Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are eagerly anticipated by San Diego foodies. These franchises are expected to offer diverse and accessible fast food options throughout the county while potentially spurring economic growth.
