Process begins for new Dunkin’ Donuts location in Rostraver

It would be a larger business located across the street from the company’s current shop in the township.

Representatives from a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts spoke to Rostraver commissioners Monday about a new location by the airport.

Dan Orie, vice president of Heartland Restaurant Group, presented the design to commissioners. He said the new location is expected to be bigger than an existing Dunkin’ Donuts in the township and will have a larger drive-thru lane.

The township’s current Dunkin’ Donuts is attached to a BP Gas Station and a Dairy Queen. The new Dunkin’ Donuts will be right across the street from the existing location.

“We’re excited for the upgrades, it’s going to be a huge improvement,” said commission President Jeffrey Johnson. “Traffic will be better. Getting in and out will be better. I can expect service to be better. I think we’re all in agreement. It’s a great, great upgrade.”

Westmoreland County Airport Authority approved a $355,000 purchase agreement with Dunkin’ last year. The property is currently an empty lot located by the park and ride at the entrance to the airport off Route 51.

According to commissioners and township Planner Tamira Spedaliere, conversations about the new Dunkin’ have been taking place for several months.

Orie said once the township makes its final approvals, it would potentially begin construction on the site after four weeks. Orie expects construction to be completed within 12 weeks of the start date.

The new location is expected to better handle a large volume of traffic and customers. Orie said at their current location, they’ve had little say in what can be changed to the property, but they will have more flexibility at the new location.

Orie said they have not made a final decision on whether to close the location that is attached to the BP gas station.

Heartland Restaurant Group is based out of Pittsburgh, but Dunkin’ Donuts is a national chain that was originally founded in Massachusetts. It provides pastries, different types of coffee, frozen drinks and breakfast sandwiches.

The only other Dunkin’ Donuts locations close to Rostraver Township are in West Mifflin and McKeesport.

Heartland Restaurant Group manages several restaurants throughout the region, but is mainly involved with Dunkin’ Donuts locations.

In other business:

• In a special meeting, the board approved final payment for work completed on the 2025 road sealing project to Russell Standard Corporation in the amount of $128,249.20 from its liquid fuels fund.

TribLive contributed to this story.