By June Valliere
june.valliere@waylandpost.org
The Zoning Board approved last week plans for Dunkin & Jimmy John’s Sandwiches to move into the former Bank of America building at 289 Boston Post Rd.
According to Town Planner Robert Hummel, other than painting and changing the railing, there are no significant changes proposed to the outside structure or foot print. Although the site is now eligible for a drive-up window, Hummel said that there are currently no plans for one. The owners still need to apply for a permit for restaurant use and signage. They already presented their plans to the Design Review Advisory Board, and they must also take their plans to the Health Department.
Hummel said that the Wayland location would look similar to the West Concord Dunkin which is owned by Mark Pesce, who is the owner of the new Wayland franchise. That location was also converted from a former bank.
The signage application proposes two sets of building signage on the front of the building on the west side, and two sets on the north side. The primary sign on top will read Dunkin and the lower building sign will say Jimmy John’s. Hummel confirmed that the design plans include illuminated signage.
The West Concord location has a large Dunkin sign in front of its building. At their May 14 meeting, members of the design board stated that the signage should closely align with the zoning bylaws, potentially reducing the total square footage. The zoning bylaw limits signage to 40 square feet per property, whereas the Jimmy John’s/Dunkin application initially proposed 68.5 square feet of signage. The board suggested reducing the signage to conform to the rule, though they ultimately left the final determination to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
According to meeting records, the applicant was generally receptive to board’s suggestions and agreed to work with the design team to implement the changes before their ZBA hearing. Historically, the ZBA has adhered to the town’s strict zoning signage bylaws when reviewing appeals.
Pesce and his wife Megan. wh live in Concord, own over 50 Dunkin restaurant franchises in 19 local towns, including in Acton and Concord. “Discover Concord,” a local publication, reported that the Pesces’ design aesthetic at their flagship store off Route 2 in Concord reflected the “Concord New England vibe.”
Danny Costa, their West Concord co-owner, told Wicked Local in 2013 when the location was revamped from a bank to a Dunkin that “while the newly revamped coffee and baked goods shop is still geared towards the customer who wants to get in and out and grab a cup of coffee, it’s also now tailored to people who want to sit and relax for a bit.”
Dunkin’ Donuts is owned by Inspire Brands, a restaurant company that also owns brands like Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Jimmy John’s. Inspire Brands acquired Dunkin’ Brands, which includes Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, in December 2020.
