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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent

Dunkin plans to open its first Elizabethton location on Tuesday, Sept. 12, in a new West Elk Avenue strip mall.

A ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the new site, which is located at 1522 West Elk Avenue near Williams Avenue and across from Sycamore Shoals Hospital.

In addition, Dunkin will present a check to the pet therapy program at Sycamore Shoals, according to Tuesday’s grand opening plans. The pet therapy program provides calming visits with dogs, cats or other animals, according to Ballad Health, which manages the hospital.

Cuppy, one of Dunkin’s mascots, will be on site as customers visit the new Next Generation restaurant.

Next Generation restaurants have a new Dunkin design with a modern atmosphere and innovative features, such as a tap system, which serves iced coffee, cold brew and nitro-infused cold brew, according to Dunkin.

The Next Generation restaurant also features a dedicated mobile order pick-up area so guests who order ahead on the Dunkin app can get their order faster, according to Dunkin.

The new Dunkin, which includes a drive-thru, is the first of three businesses to open in the new 6,812-foot strip center. The second addition to the 1.5-acre site has not yet been announced and a third space remains available.

KBM Commercial Properties, which also developed the adjacent strip center featuring Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, developed the new site.

In addition, Elizabethton’s first Eastman Credit Union is under construction on an adjacent lot at Williams Avenue.

The new Dunkin joins Carter County’s first location, which opened in Hampton on U.S. Highway 19E in 2016. Another Dunkin is located along Milligan Highway in Johnson City.

Dunkin’s menu includes hot and cold drinks, donuts, bakery items and sandwiches.