FoodNews

New Dunkin is Coming to Pleasant Hill, With Deep Local Roots

PLEASANT HILL, CA — A new Dunkin’ is coming to Pleasant Hill. And although it’s a national chain, this particular one has some surprisingly deep local roots.

The new location, at 1900 Contra Costa Boulevard, is expected to open in December 2026, according to franchise owner Matt Cobo, who confirmed the plans directly to Bay Area Telegraph.

The 1,700-square-foot restaurant will feature Dunkin’s modern “Next Generation” design, employ approximately 30 workers and operate daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Construction is already underway, and Cobo says the project remains on track for a December opening.

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Credit: Matt Cobo

A Local Owner With Deep Contra Costa Roots

Cobo, a Walnut Creek native, grew up in Contra Costa County and is now raising his own children in the area.

Opening a restaurant in Pleasant Hill is especially meaningful because of his family’s history in the community.

“My parents were both High School teachers (where they met) and purchased their 1st house in Gregory Gardens, a little community a few blocks away from my new Dunkin’,” Cobo told Bay Area Telegraph in an email.

“I love being so connected to this community and take so much pride in my stores.”

Cobo owns Golden Gate Restaurant Group and already operates three Dunkin’ locations in Contra Costa County, including restaurants in Walnut Creek, Concord and Pittsburg.

Pleasant Hill will be his fourth.

Credit: Dunkin

His connection to Dunkin’ in the East Bay goes back a decade.

In June 2016, Cobo opened a Dunkin’ in Walnut Creek, marking the chain’s return to the Bay Area after a 15-year absence.

The opening attracted enormous crowds, with some customers arriving hours before the restaurant opened.

Since then, Cobo has continued expanding the chain’s presence in Contra Costa County, with more locations potentially planned.

“As someone who grew up in Walnut Creek, bringing Dunkin’ to the community I know and love has always been especially meaningful to me,” Cobo said in a statement announcing the Pleasant Hill restaurant.

“We’ve been proud to grow alongside the Contra Costa County community over the past decade, and we’re excited to continue that journey with our newest restaurant in Pleasant Hill.”

What to Expect at the New Pleasant Hill Dunkin’

Credit: Dunkin

The Pleasant Hill restaurant will use Dunkin’s updated Next Generation design, which updates the classic chain with a more modern and fancier experience.

That means things like digital ordering options, dedicated mobile pickup areas, prominent bakery displays and updated beverage equipment. Specific features at the Pleasant Hill location have not yet been fully detailed.

Credit: Dunkin

Customers can expect Dunkin’s familiar selection of hot and iced coffees, espresso drinks, donuts, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.

The new restaurant is also expected to participate in Dunkin’ Rewards, allowing customers to earn points on purchases and order ahead through the chain’s mobile app.

For commuters traveling along Contra Costa Boulevard, the restaurant will offer another early-morning coffee and breakfast option, with its planned 5 a.m. opening time.

The restaurant’s 9 p.m. closing time will also make it an option for evening coffee and snack runs.

Credit: Dunkin

When Will It Open?

Cobo told Bay Area Telegraph on November 9 that construction is progressing well and the restaurant is on schedule to welcome customers next month.

An exact opening date has not yet been announced, and details about a grand opening celebration are expected in the coming weeks.

We’ll let you know when we hear more. Make sure to join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you posted.

Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith is a food and travel photographer and writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His photographic work routinely appears in publications including Food and Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Times and his writing appears in IEEE Spectrum, SFGate, the Bold Italic and more. Smith holds a degree in Cognitive Science (Neuroscience) and Anthropology from the Johns Hopkins University.

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