Dunkin’ Chairman Says Plant-Based Trend Is Here to Stay

Former CEO of fast-food chain Dunkin’ Nigel Travis believes that the plant-based movement is not a fad but a long-lasting trend. Currently the Chairman at Dunkin’, Travis has worked in the fast-food industry for nearly 50 years, including stints as an executive at Burger King Europe and CEO of Papa John’s. “I go to see my doctor as you should do at my age, and all he talks about is plant-based foods,” Travis, 70, told Yahoo Finance. “I really think it’s a trend—we are really happy with what has happened with Beyond Meat at Dunkin’.” In 2018, David Hoffman took over as Dunkin’ CEO following Travis’ departure and began modernizing the chain’s menu, including by partnering with vegan brand Beyond Meat. In July 2019, Dunkin’ added the meatless Beyond Breakfast Sausage to its menu at select New York City locations before expanding the option to all of its more than 9,000 locations nationwide in November. Hoffman shares Travis’ view of the plant-based trend and believes the chain’s relationship with Beyond Meat will continue to thrive, stating, “I think this is going to be a partnership for years to come.”