Dunkin’ Donuts to replace Keyhole

• By Jeremy Angione
• Published: September 11th, 2012

Dunkin’ Donuts will be joining the growing list of dining options on Liberty’s campus when it replaces the Keyhole Convenience Store later this semester.

A specific date for the addition of the popular doughnut shop has not been released, but the university did announce that it is coming this semester. According to Liberty Dining District Manager Lori Madden, the construction of the new pedestrian tunnel provided students with easier access to attain more convenience items, lessening student interest in the options offered by the Keyhole.

Delicacy — The popular coffee and donut shop will make its way to campus by mid-October. Photo credit: Jay Sir

This will be the first Dunkin’ Donuts location of its kind in the Lynchburg area, according to retail manager Keith Wilson, who will manage the location. Wilson assures that the venue will be up to Dunkin’ Donuts’ standards and will offer the full variety of menu items such as hot or iced coffee, breakfast sandwiches and fresh doughnuts.

The Dunkin’ Donuts will give students an alternative grab-and-go dining option, providing greater convenience to students living on South Campus. According to Madden, Liberty Dining takes the preferences of the student body seriously, responding to demands for a Dunkin’ Donuts by taking action and providing one.

“We want to create a space that’s not only a food venue, but provides students with an opportunity to fellowship and to network,” Madden said.

Madden hopes that Liberty Dining can enhance the student dining experience with the addition of the Dunkin’ Donuts.

According to libertydining.com, Sodexo’s mission is to create “exceptional student experiences.”

Madden said that they plan to deliver on that goal through “culinary innovation, student insights, health and wellness, customer service and sustainability programs.”

Similarly, Dunkin’ Donuts posts a mission to their guests on the company’s website.

“We are passionate about offering our guests delicious products they will enjoy, giving them plenty of menu options….”

Student demand helped build this particular Dunkin’ Donuts, which can be taken as an indicator of the venue’s future success.

“I’m so excited, ‘cause I’m from the north,” Liberty student Kayla Miliano said.
Miliano is from New England, where there is an abundance of Dunkin’ Donuts.

“I don’t really like doughnuts, but I love the Dunkaccino,” Miliano said.
“With Dunkin’s worldwide brand appeal coupled with the fact that it’s the first of its kind in the Lynchburg area, we are hoping that the location will be well received by the student body and create a lasting level of excitement for years to come,” Wilson said.

According to Madden, Liberty Dining’s goal is to cater mainly to the student body, but the scarcity of Dunkin’ Donuts in the Lynchburg area may give it major appeal in the Lynchburg community.

“Dunkin’ Donuts rocks,” Sodexo employee Christine Benner said. “I grew up with it. I’m so excited to have it on campus.”