BOSTON – Dunkin’ Donuts is in the midst of a national expansion to increase its franchise locations in the United States.

Fueling this growth, Memphis, Tennessee, is now open for market development with plans to open more than 50 new restaurants over the next several years. The company is actively seeking new franchisees to own and operate a minimum of five new restaurants in Memphis and all throughout the country to help direct the company’s future growth, QSR Magazine reports.

Dunkin’ also signed store development agreements for five stores in each market of Knoxville and Nashville, with the first store opening in Dixon, Tennessee, in December 2007.

Additional opportunities for new franchises exist in Southern Memphis and Mississippi, including the counties of Lafayette, Tunica, Coahoma, Quitman, and Panola.

In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ offers franchisees a variety of designs and venues, including free-standing stores, sites within shopping centers and convenience stores and other retail environments.

Dunkin’ recently launched its new, all-day Oven-Toasted menu. The new platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’s product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003. The menu items are now available in 3,500 shops throughout the country, including participating Dunkin’ locations in New England, New York, and Florida, and will be available nationwide by spring, reports the magazine.