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Proposal for new Dunkin’ Donuts denied by Vandalia council

UPDATE @ 3:07 p.m. (June 21)

Vandalia city council on Monday again voted down with a vote of 7-0 a new proposed Dunkin’ Donuts location, said Rich Hopkins, spokesman for Vandalia.

Monday night was a second reading of the legislation introduced in May.

UPDATE @ 11:31 a.m. (May 17)

Vandalia City Council voted Monday night 7-0 to deny a proposed new Dunkin’ Donuts.

City officials said their decision had to do with a zoning issue.

The proposed Dunkin’ Donuts has come with its share of controversy. The popular Jim’s Donut Shop is located just a few hundred feet from the proposed location.

NewsCenter 7’s Adam Marshall will have more on this story starting at 5 p.m. today.

UPDATE @ 4:45 p.m. (April 27): Dunkin' Donuts released a statement late this afternoon about its upcoming store in Vandalia, which will be operated by franchise owner Pat Gilligan.

“Our local franchisee is very involved in the communities they service, including through their support of local Toys for Tots chapters and breast cancer awareness initiatives, and they look forward to serving the people who live and work in Vandalia,”the statement read. The location will employ 10 to 15 crew members and will feature outdoor seating and landscaping, free Wi-Fi for guests and serve menu items including coffee, tea, sandwiches and baked goods.

UPDATE @ 10:11 p.m. (April 26): The donut dilemma in Vandalia continued to cook like a cruller in a deep fryer Tuesday night after the city's planning commission voted to allow rezoning for a Dunkin' Donuts to be built literally steps from Jim's Donut Shop, a local business.

The planning commission’s decision goes to the City Council, which is expected to take up the issue May 2.

Residents who attending the hearing were heavily in support of Jim’s — and against the chain restaurant and pastry store that would be built a 15-second walk away.

“They’re just trying to put Jim’s out of business,” said Tami Perkins, born and raised in Vandalia. “It’s a small business. They’re super nice, they’re like family. And their donuts are awesome…ha ha.”

A manager at Jim’s declined to comment publicly, but told NewsCenter 7’s Adam Marshall she encourages new development and new jobs in Vandalia.

However, she continued, she also appreciates her customers fighting for her business on East National Road.

Perkins said she encourages new business as well, but not a competitor next door to what she calls a “mom and pop shop.”

“I mean there’s plenty of restaurants on Miller Lane,” said Perkins, a lifer who has been a Jim’s customer all her life. “There’s other places in Vandalia that they can build.”

Officials at the corporate offices of Dunkin’ Donuts did not respond to requests for comment.

The location on East National Road would be the sixth Dayton-Springfield area location. Local franchise owner Pat Gilligan has said he hopes to open before the end of the year.

INITIAL REPORT

Jim’s Donut Shop in Vandalia may soon have neighboring competition.

Dunkin’ Donuts has proposed a new location within a few hundred feet of Jim’s Donut Shop and local residents are concerned.

Long time Vandalia resident Tami Perkins spoke with News Center 7 reporter Adam Marshall about her fears for the proposed shop.

“They’re just trying to put Jim’s out of business,” Perkins said. “It’s a small business. They’re super nice, they’re like family. And their donuts are awesome.”

Residents can attend the Vandalia Planning Commission tonight at 7 to address their concerns.

News Center 7’s Adam Marshall will have more information on this developing story tonight on WHIO-TV.

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