A Franchise Family
“GoNuts” & Coffee
Recently, Signs By Sam had the privilege to complete a custom vinyl lettering job on a catering trailer for a locally owned and nationally loved powerhouse – Dunkin’ Donuts. Mmmm, donuts on location – this catering idea is just as exciting as beer delivery from Shanengo Beverage – we may never have to leave the shop again!
Signs By Sam is proud to say we worked on the custom vinyl lettering for The first Dunkin’ Go Food Trailer in the country!
What were we talking about? It’s hard to focus with all this talk of donuts and the thought of a Caramel Iced Coffee in-hand. Ahh, that’s right…some of our favorite client success stories stem from tough beginnings (this is one of those), but it sure does have a sweet ending. New Castle native, Don Miller, had unfortunately lost his job at Rockwell, which left him on an unexpected job search. Ironically, the Dunkin’ Donuts in New Castle was up for sale, and after a friendly little push from a family member to consider looking into franchise opportunities, DALRT, Inc. was born. The name DALRT represents the family members that make up today’s featured company – Don, Annette, Leeanne, Randi, and Taylor. Next year will mark 40 years since their first purchase!
Donut Worry, Be Happy
Now owning six Dunkin’ Donuts locations across New Castle (3), Grove City (1), and Erie (2), with two more in the works for Erie and Meadville, there is undoubtedly a work ethic like no other. With Don and Annette handing over the reins to their three daughters, it has been an exciting shift for the family dynamic (and perhaps adding a little something special to ‘sisterly love’).
All three girls work together daily. The last three years have been adjusting and adapting to working together all of the time. Prior to that we managed our own stores – now that we oversee the company we work together every day. Although we feel otherwise, when others observe how we work together, they say they are impressed with the relationship we have. – Randi Griffith, Director of Marketing and Guest Relations
DALRT, Inc. has always taken pride in their work, as well as thrown their heart and soul into every aspect of the business. It is their hope that the communities know there is a true sense of pride and care behind every coffee, donut, and morning greeting, as it is common with major franchises that the family factor sometimes gets whisked away in the hustle and bustle. With 140 team members total, you can bet there is no shortage of passion and commitment across their locations.
DALRT, Inc. doesn’t just have employees- they have family. John (center), is retiring after 38 years working for the company; during that time, he even became Godfather to Randi Griffith (left). From left to right: Randi, her brother-in-law Seth and his son, Gregory, Annette, Taylor, John, Don, Leeanne, and Randi’s daughter, Bailey.
As a family run business, we love the ability to enrich the lives of families that work for us. We have quite a few crew members that have been with us many years, which can be unheard of in the quick service field.
Sisters & Shih Tzu’s
While you would think working side by side with family would be enough for some people, these sisters are together even outside of the office! Three of the DALRT houses are side by side (literally!), with the other only a few blocks away. This close-knit family wouldn’t have it any other way.
Don and Annette have enjoyed watching the girls take over DALRT, Inc.; however, they still offer their businesses smarts and resources to help along the way. In the meantime, Don loves to stay hands on with projects like remodeling and landscaping. Annette spends the days enjoying another title of hers – Grandma – and playing with her grandkids.
Leeanne, CFO & Director of Development, enjoys spending time with her three Shih Tzu’s – Ben, Steve, and Stella.
Randi loves spending time with her husband John, 2 year old daughter, Bailey, and their two Shih Tzu’s, Martin & Lily.
Taylor, Human Resources Director, is a busy bee with her husband, Seth, and their two boys, Greg (2 yrs old) and Gabe (6 months old).
Now that you have gotten to know the faces behind DALRT, Inc. a little more, we have some fun facts about the franchise itself! Did you know that donuts only make up about 13% of their sales? If you haven’t been in to grab coffee or any other amazing concoction, what are you waiting for?! As mentioned above, they also recently added the country’s FIRST Dunkin’ Go Food Trailer to their services! So, got the sweet tooth? Now we can all enjoy our coffee, donut, and tea cravings anywhere, whether it’s at private, corporate, or vendor events!
With every project completed by the Signs By Sam team, we are in continuous awe of the backstories of our clients, as well as, watching them succeed. Stay tuned on Facebook as we plan to continue to work with these guys as they continue to grow!
Signs By Sam clients may work within a variety of industries, they all have something in common – passion and grit.
Keep on Dunkin’ Those Donuts and remember, signage is an remarkable type of long lasting advertising!
DALRT, Inc.
3019 Wilmington Road
New Castle, PA 16105
(724) 202-6936
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat-Sun: CLOSED
Visit Their Website: www.dunkindonuts.com/careers
Like them on Facebook: @dalrtinc
Dunkin’ G0
For information or to book an event:
(724) 333-5199
catering.dalrtinc@outlook.com
“A business with no sign is a sign of no business.”
Eric Venezie, Owner & Operater, Signs By Sam
