The former KoffeeWorks shop on Halls Rd., in Old Lyme,which has been closed for most of the summer, is set to re-open as Dunkin’ Donuts.
No definite opening date has been given but the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts store in New London told LymeLine that a mid-October opening is anticipated.
She also said a number of staff are already in training in the New London store in preparation for transfer to the Old Lyme facility when it opens, but she is still looking for more.
She also confirmed that the store will not have a drive-through lane.
That is really unfortunate. A big part of what makes Old Lyme the quaint New England town that it is, is the fact that we have small privately owned businesses, rather than large chains (with the exception of Big Y). A petition circulated last time Dunkin Donuts wanted to move into town, and it was clear that the townspeople did not want them here. It’s sad how every town across Connecticut is looking more and more the same. And, it’s not like Dunkin Donuts has good coffee or good donuts! They’re awful! I hope the plan falls through. I, for one, will not be a customer there.
Its better then koffee works. Koffee works was lousy and overpriced and it couldn’t maintain the business so it went out of business. Old Lyme is still a great town but needs to come with the times a little bit not alot but they need a little shot in the arm. That’s what dunkin will do for old Lyme.
I totally agree with Joseph. I drove through Niantic the other night and that town has so much going on – all the businesses were busy. I think the business people in town would agree that more business brings more customers to all the businesses – good luck, Dunkin and welcome!
To kelly…. im not sure if u remember but OLD lyme used to have Bess Eaton donut shop by the grist mill back in the 90s. So dunkin donuts would not be the first chain coffee/donut place.
I agree with Joe. Koffetwerks was horrible. And OL zoning will make sure DnD does it right to keep whatever quaint is.
Subway and Rite-Aid are also chains. Dunkin Donuts will be a great addition.
While I am no fan of Dunkin Donuts in general I do frequent them when traveling out of town. Bess Eaton did attempt to run a coffee shop in town as well as other locales in New England…….I believe they are all (or at least almost all) out of business so it does not just happen to the little guy. I’m sad that Dunkin is coming in but I have seen some perfectly respectful store fronts in other areas. Can’t stop progress, it will be a nightmare when the highway shuts down though
To All: I was disappointed when Koffee Works failed to reopen after Memorial Day. They were nice people and the place had a lot of energy. I enjoyed talking with the young folks behind the counter. The place was always busy and had a great atmosphere. I’ll miss their scones and muffins.
I don’t feel that Dunkins is a harbinger of good times for OL.
You can finda Dunkins on virtually any intersection in SE CT; but there was only one Koffee Works.
This spot would have been perfect for another Ashlawn Farm Coffee! They look like they are really flourishing by the Old Saybrook train station- very happy for them, would be even happier if they set up shop on Halls Road!