New Dunkin' To Open Soon In Mendham Borough

MENDHAM, NJ — After several years of waiting, multiple trips before the borough's planning board, and the cancellation of plans for a drive-thru, the new Dunkin' on Main Street could open as soon as next week.

According to Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, the owner of the new coffee and donut shop stated that they are awaiting final approval from the town engineer before opening.

"Once that sign-off has been completed, he said he can be open in a matter of days. He's hoping for a soft opening next week," Serrano Glassner said.

The coffee shop, which has been described as a "next-generation Dunkin restaurant," was approved for 25 East Main Street in December 2018, following initial public objections to the proposed drive-thru.

At the time, the borough stated that although the use of a fast food restaurant is permitted in the HB Zone, a drive-thru is not. As a result, the applicant petitioned the Board of Adjustment for "d" variance relief to allow the drive-thru.

This application, however, did not proceed to hearings and was withdrawn in the face of significant apparent opposition, particularly from residents near the site. Following that, the applicant revised its plan by removing the drive-thru.

Since the approval, some residents have expressed concerns on social media about preserving the borough's historic nature, claiming that the modern signage did not fit the community's character. "I am a DD fan, but I think the huge Dunkin sign could have been made to look a little more colonial since we live in such a historic town," one resident wrote on Facebook.

Mayor Serrano Glassner, on the other hand, claims that Dunkin fulfilled all of the State, County, and Municipal requirements for opening a business while also designing a building that is historically consistent with the borough.

"As Mayor, I am honored to welcome new businesses like Dunkin's. Dunkin's has so much they will be contributing to our community, including the beautiful design of the building, which is historically consistent with our Main Street area. I've had countless residents ask me when they are opening, so I know Dunkin's will be getting a warm reception when they open their doors and serve up those first Munchkins," Serrano Glassner said.

The new location is Dunkin's only one in the Medhams; the closest other location is at 112 US-206 in Chester.