A line of Dunkin’ Donuts fans wrapped around the outside of the new shop in Clarkesville early Friday. Some waited for hours, eager to get their first cup of brewed-in-Habersham Dunkin’ coffee. The first 150 or so received booklets of discount coupons. Some came in pajamas, clearly having just rolled out of bed, unwilling to miss what, for many in this small town, is a big event.
Bonnie Daniels, Zada Baird, and Grace Gerrells, with her 3-month-old daughter Peyton in tow, drove in from Cornelia. They stood in line for more than two hours waiting to be served.
“It [the line] was wrapped all the way around the building, and we had counted and there was 139 people ahead of us,” says Gerrells. Daniels, the owner of Clarkesville’s Shear R&R Salon, explains their pre-dawn jaunt this way: “It’s just exciting, and we love coffee.” Adds Baird, “It hurts my feet, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Two other early risers, Daisy Dyer and Jackie Ramos, both of Clarkesville, say the wait was worth it.
“I think it’s awesome,” says Ramos. “Now we won’t have to drive so far to get some Dunkin’ Donuts.”
There’s never been a national doughnut chain shop in Habersham County. Soon, there will be two. Another Dunkin’ Donuts is being built in Cornelia. Construction began there before the Clarkesville shop renovation started, but the Cornelia project was stalled when builders had to submit new site plans.
Stephen Atartt is the owner of both Habersham locations. He’s from Alpharetta and says he hires only local workers. Atartt tells Now Habersham he was attracted to this area because it’s a growing community and Clarkesville’s a great town.
The Clarkesville shop also serves Baskin Robbins ice cream. It’s located in the old Yakimono Japanese Restaurant (formerly Hardees) on Washington Street. The Clarkesville Dunkin’ sits directly across the street from McDonald’s on a tightly-packed street near an often backed-up four-way stop.
Many have expressed concerns over increased traffic with the doughnut chain’s opening, but that wasn’t evident before sunrise on grand opening day. The only backup early Friday morning was the long line of people standing outside waiting to get into the brightly lit, colorfully decorated shop for a cup of their favorite coffee and doughnuts.
Clarkesville City Councilman Franklin Brown, Main Street Director Colby Moore, and other local dignitaries and corporate representatives attended a mid-morning ribbon cutting. The Habersham Central High School cheerleaders and football players also attended. Dunkin’ Donuts presented them with a $1000 donation for the school’s athletic program.
Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream are located at 487 Washington Street in Clarkesville.
