Dover-Foxcroft Dunkin’ grand reopening Saturday

DOVER-FOXCROFT — As residents of Dover-Foxcroft eagerly wait for their local Dunkin’ to reopen, owners Ed and Colleen Bailey have been working around the clock to complete renovations they began just a couple of weeks ago, a project investment of over half-a-million dollars to improve the building and grounds of the West Main Street location. The Baileys, who own nine Dunkin’ locations throughout Maine, first opened the Dover-Foxcroft location in August 2015.

“Ed & Colleen have been welcomed members of our community; always looking for ways to make the business better for their employees, and ways to give back to the community; they are great business owners with benevolent hearts,” said Denise Buzzelli, executive director of the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce.

Buzzelli, who worked with the Baileys on the original grand opening in 2015, got a call about the grand reopening celebration and was informed on that call that Dunkin’ had something special planned for the event, and wanted the chamber’s help getting the word out. Recently, Buzzelli connected Kelly Sirimoglu, executive director of the Piscataquis Regional Food Center with Colleen Bailey for the chance at an invitation to submit a grant application to Dunkin’s Joy in Childhood Foundation, one that required the nomination of a local Dunkin’ owner. Bailey happily submitted that nomination and PRFC was invited to submit a proposal, but to date; nothing has come of it.

 
“After learning more about the needs at the PRFC, I spoke with corporate,” she said, “and expressed our desire to do something to support the work there as a part of our grand reopening event; we are excited to make a difference in our region to help hungry families.”

With a mission of connecting rural people to sources of healthy food and stimulating the local agricultural economy, PRFC’s programs emphasize serving low-income families with the conviction that everyone, regardless of circumstances, should have reliable access to fresh, healthy and nourishing food. 

According to Buzzelli, the Dunkin’ donation could not have come at a better time, “I know 2025 has been a difficult year for PRFC; as the number of people in our region seeking assistance continues to rise, federal funds used to acquire food have been cut, creating a significant burden on PRFC to navigate the deficits, even cutting employee hours, including those of the executive director. Additionally, funds allocated to PRFC as part of the Emergency Food and Shelter program have been frozen indefinitely, while their costs for electricity, insurance and food continue to climb.”

Sirimoglu, who is deeply thankful for the donation, explained, “This generous gift will make a real difference for families in our region, especially for the children who are growing up in one of the most food-insecure counties in the Northeast. In Piscataquis, where one in four kids don’t have enough to eat, support like this means more full bellies, brighter days and a stronger future for our youngest neighbors. And the impact doesn’t stop there, it strengthens our entire community, helping ensure that no one has to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table.”

Buzzelli took a tour of the PRFC after sharing the news of the soon-coming donation with Sirimoglu, “I had no idea how many food pantries in the region the PRFC delivers to, or how much community effort is needed to source the offerings; besides the federally-funded food that comes in from Good Shepherd; local farms, residents, grocery stores and even churches donate food and products for the PRFC to distribute. I hope Ed & Colleen’s generous donation will spur the generosity of others to get involved and find ways to support the work.”

The Dunkin’ grand reopening event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 and will include prizes, giveaways, samples and gift cards, as well as field games for kids and donut decorating. Icey Joe and Cuppy will be there for photo-ops! True Country and The Mix Radio will be there to cover the event. The check presentation will take place at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome!