Dunkin’ Donuts to open at Harrah’s

If you’d take Dunkin’ Donuts over Krispy Kreme, then you’re in for a real treat. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino soon will be home to a Dunkin’ Donuts shop.

“There were really no other contenders,” said Harrah’s Ak-Chin General Manager Robert Livingston. “We felt like Dunkin’ was a perfect fit for our customers. We considered Starbucks, but the strength of the menu at Dunkin’ won the day.”

Livingston said Harrah’s needed an outlet to complement its “very popular” Copper Cactus 24/7 Quick Serve restaurant. Currently, Harrah’s other dining options include the upscale Range Steakhouse, casual Agave’s Restaurant and Harrah’s buffet.

Harrah’s was founded in 1994, and besides gambling also features live entertainment, a newly remodeled pool and a seafood buffet every Friday and Saturday.

The new coffee shop is being built next to Total Rewards to the left in the main casino entrance. Construction is set to begin in mid-October. Marketing Director Michael Kinter said the new restaurant should be open mid-to-late December.

“We continually look for opportunities to bring our nontraditional restaurants to new places and an ever-growing customer base,” said Jenna Kantrowitz, a representative from Dunkin’ Donuts’ corporate office.

According to Dunkin’ Donuts’ website, there are franchises in all but four of Arizona’s 15 counties – Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz and Yuma.

Editor's note: Due to a reporting error, this article has been updated at 7:00 p.m., Oct. 2, 2013.