The new Dunkin’ store in the Lowe’s Shopping Center opens Wednesday at 6 a.m. and will be one of its next generation designs.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Dunkin’s next generation store initiative and can’t wait to bring this innovative new restaurant to the community,” said Safari Foods Incorporated President Gray Daughtridge. “The new menu offerings and approachable atmosphere will grab the attention of Dunkin’ fans and help keep Roanoke Rapids running on Dunkin’ for years to come.”

The restaurant will award free coffee for a year to the first 25 guests in the drive-through. 

In addition there will be appearances by Dunkin’ mascots and swag giveaways. 

After opening day, the restaurant will be open for drive-through and curbside service daily, with indoor service available later in 2021.

The elements of the new restaurant located at 1640 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway include a more open look along with colors and materials used in the design to make it more approachable, positive and energetic.

The restaurant will feature the company’s Premium Pours system in which cold beverages  will be served through a tap system delivering eight consistently cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee. 

Crew members will also use top-quality flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make hand-crafted drinks to order.

The restaurant will feature Dunkin’ on Demand which is an area dedicated to mobile pickups so  members of the DD Perks Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkin’s mobile app can get in and out of the restaurant faster. 

Guests will be able to track the status of their orders placed for pickup inside the restaurant via a new digital order status board.

The new Dunkin’ is a DD Green Achievement restaurant, which is designed to save 25 percent more energy compared to a standard Dunkin’ restaurant.

The company submitted site plans for the restaurant to the city in March.

The building occupies the former home of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and was most recently used as a jewelry store.