A latte to look forward to: Dunkin’ plans to brew up a new spot in Ontario

ONTARIO — The next big addition to Ontario won’t come in a shopping bag. It’ll come in a coffee cup or a box of donuts.

Bulldozers are set to clear the former Sears Auto Center structure at 627 Richland Mall to make room for a four-tenant retail strip anchored by a Dunkin’ drive-thru. 

Ontario Zoning Inspector Benji Hall said Dunkin’ is tentatively scheduled to open June 1.

Hall confirmed the project remains under preliminary site plan review, meaning changes could still occur before final approvals. Demolition work is scheduled to begin Monday.

Making room for Dunkin’

Before coffee starts pouring and donuts hit the counter, crews will first have to clear the way for the new development.

S&S Hauling & Excavating of Fremont will demolish the vacant structure and haul away its foundation, with work expected to wrap up Dec. 24. Debris trucks will then transport everything directly to the Rumpke Noble Road Landfill in Shiloh.

These investments represent new jobs, additional services for our residents and visitors, and strengthens our local economy.

Mayor Josh bradley

Once demolition wraps up, the site will undergo grading and utility tie-ins before crews pour the foundation. The development parcel sits on the western edge of the mall property, facing the busy outer loop.

Mayor Josh Bradley praised the chain’s arrival as a major milestone for local retail.

“Our team met with Dunkin’ representatives earlier this year,” Bradley said. “At that time we went over plans and zoning concerns, and following that we stayed in contact and made sure we had a clear line of communication with Dunkin’ and their developers.”

“I think residents will appreciate having another convenient option for coffee, breakfast or a quick stop throughout their day,” he said. “It’s my hope that Dunkin’s trust and investment in Ontario will bring additional activity and encourage continued investment in our commercial district.”

A fresh look for Richland Mall Road

Dunkin’ isn’t just bringing its coffee and donuts to Ontario. The project also features the chain’s “Next Gen” design.

Janotta & Herner of Monroeville, the design-build contractor, and Van Horn Hoover of Findlay, the civil engineering firm, designed the site on behalf of Coles Central, Inc. of Milan. Their proposal brings the modern model to life with charcoal siding and wood-pattern accents.

The Dunkin’ will sit at the northern end of the building, with a dedicated drive-thru lane and a separate bypass lane to keep traffic moving and prevent backups onto the ring road.

Inside, blueprint records show an open ordering layout and dedicated multiple freestanding order kiosks

Another addition to Ontario’s retail boom

While Dunkin’ will anchor the development, it won’t be the only business with a spot in the new building.

Blueprints outline three additional commercial suites, each offering approximately 2,082 square feet for future businesses.

The announcement comes on the heels of a big week for Ontario’s retail strip. Both HomeGoods and Chick-fil-A celebrated grand openings along North Lexington-Springmill Road on Thursday.

Bradley said they are always excited when businesses express interest in investing in Ontario.

“It’s the continued confidence businesses are showing in our community,” Bradley said. “These investments represent new jobs, additional services for our residents and visitors, and strengthens our local economy.”

Bradley also shared a message for the waves of new crew members and franchise owners stepping onto Ontario sales floors this month.

“I want to thank all the business owners for choosing the City of Ontario,” Bradley said. “We appreciate their confidence in our community and look forward to building strong relationships with them.

“I also want to welcome all the employees to Ontario; I hope they know that they play a vital role in the success and the growth of our community.”