Dunkin Donuts California
Freestanding Location Planned
A new, free-standing Dunkin’ location is planned for the Laurel Glen Shopping Center, giving the popular coffee and donut chain its own building and more visibility in this busy commercial corridor.
According to planning documents, the development will carve out a new 0.63-acre parcel—dubbed “Lot 2”—from the shopping center’s existing parking lot. Shanri Holding Corp, based in Mobile, Alabama, owns the Laurel Glen Shopping Center and is partnering with COA Barrett Engineering, a locally based firm, to bring the project to life.
Laurel Glen Shopping Center is home to retailers like Third Eye Comics, PetSmart and Harbor Freight. The existing shopping center has 753 spaces, but there is potential for a future expansion at the southern end nearest to Walmart. This would push total parking demand to 993 spaces. Dunkin’s new location would take up part of the current parking lot, limiting total available parking. As a result, a parking reduction will need to be approved by the county’s planning director before Dunkin’s development moves forward. The proposed building will be 1,861 square feet in size and include 24 dedicated parking spaces.
Overview of layout, from planning documents.
This new Dunkin’ will mark a significant upgrade for the brand’s California location, which currently operates in a nearby strip mall alongside Blair’s Jewelry. The California store was the flagship location for Maria Icaza of The Java Group LLC, who owns and operates four Dunkin’ franchises across Southern Maryland: in Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, California, and Prince Frederick. Since opening the California store, Icaza has steadily expanded her footprint, and the move to a stand-alone building signals another big step forward.
Rendering of building, from planning documents.
As plans take shape, local residents and commuters alike can look forward to a more prominent, upgraded Dunkin’ experience that includes an outdoor seating area.
Current view of proposed location.
The Planning Commission is set to review Dunkin’s new proposal on Monday, May 12 at 6:30PM. The meeting is held at the Chesapeake Building: 41770 Baldridge St, Leonardtown. In lieu of attending, comments can be sent to brandy.glenn@stmaryscountymd.gov
