The next several years will see ten Dunkin’ Donuts franchise stores open in the San Fernando Valley.

Dunkin’ Donuts, a brand under the Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. banner, have reached a franchise agreement with Aharon Aminpour, a local San Fernando Valley real estate developer and businessman. Aminpour will develop all ten of the Dunkin’ Donuts properties. Steve Rafferty, senior director of franchising at Dunkin’ Donuts, explains that close to 100 percent of the companies stores operate under a franchisee/franchisor relationship. These franchisees are directly responsible for growing business and awareness for Dunkin’ Donuts products.

Specific locations have yet to be disclosed, but the East Coast donut and coffee chain is optimistic about their Southern California expansion. The first store is expected to open in early 2015. Aminpour has experience growing businesses in the Valley having founded both 818 Auto Body Inc. in Sherman Oaks and The Chip Experts Inc. of Pasadena – two automotive repair companies. Dunkin’ Brands Group selected Aminpour based on this experience, as well as his background in restaurants and real estate.

Dunkin’ Donuts has franchisee requirements that must be met. Franchisees are expected to build the stores, with each store estimated at $500,000 to $1.2 million. Every franchise is expected to pay weekly royalty fees to Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. for use of company trademarks, brands, and so forth.

In addition to the San Fernando Valley, Dunkin’ Donuts plans to open 10 additional stores in Orange County as part of an overall California expansion plan. There are three existing Southern California Dunkin’ Donuts locations: San Diego, Barstow, and Camp Pendleton.