Dunkin’ Minnetonka - From Vanilla Shell to Fresh Donuts

Building a new restaurant is always a balancing act between design intent, schedule, and

teamwork. For the Dunkin’ Minnetonka project, our team at Kindred Construction Solutions

had the unique challenge of delivering a full build-out over the holiday season — from late

2024 through early 2025.

Despite the tight timeline, coordination hurdles, and a few surprises along the way, the

project came together seamlessly thanks to close collaboration with the architect, HVAC

subcontractor, and client team.

Early Construction Interior Work

Solving for Ceiling Heights and Ductwork Challenges

During early construction, our team discovered that the roof structure didn’t align with the

landlord-provided drawings, creating a conflict between the ceiling height and duct layout.

Rather than delay the schedule or compromise the design, our project team came

together; Kindred Construction Solutions, the HVAC subcontractor, and the architect to

brainstorm creative solutions. Through thoughtful design adjustments and the HVAC

contractor being willing to get creative and put his skills to the test, we were able to

maximize the ceiling height, only losing about 2 inches instead of the 14” inches we were

looking at, without any additional cost to the client.

That’s the kind of collaboration we pride ourselves on, smart problem solving that protects

both the design vision and the project budget.

Meeting Rigorous Franchise Standards

As a national brand, Dunkin’ maintains very high standards for quality and finish. Each

project concludes with a corporate punch list walkthrough to ensure every detail aligns

with brand specifications.

We’re proud to share that this project passed with zero punch list items, a testament to the

craftsmanship, communication, and pride our team brings to every build.

Finished Interior Work

Finished Exterior Work

A Collaborative Approach from the Start to Finish

From project kickoff through final inspection, our team stayed focused on communication

and teamwork. Coordinating during the holidays required flexibility, daily check-ins, and

creative scheduling but the results were worth it.

Every member of the team worked together to make sure this project opened on time, on

budget, and with the quality that Dunkin’ expects.

Kitchen Interior Work

Project Snapshot

• Project Type: Restaurant Build-Out

• Location: Minnetonka, Minnesota

• Timeline: January 2025 – March 2025

• Scope: Full tenant improvement from vanilla shell

• Key Highlights:

  • Resolved ceiling height and ductwork conflict with creative design

    coordination

  • Completed on schedule despite holiday-season constraints

  • Zero punch list items on final corporate walkthrough

Partner With a Minneapolis General Contractor Who Understands Restaurants

At Kindred Construction Solutions, we specialize in restaurant construction from first

conceptual design to final inspections. Our collaborative approach brings architects,

engineers, and subcontractors together early to identify challenges before they become

costly changes.

If you’re planning your next restaurant or tenant improvement project, let’s connect early.

Together, we’ll make sure your space is designed and built for success.

Contact Kindred Construction Solutions to start your project today.