Ponte Vedra artist produces painting for new Dunkin’ Donuts location in St. Augustine

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Ponte Vedra artist Bill Adams has produced a painting for the first next generation Dunkin’ Donuts store in Florida.

Located at 890 Santa Maria Blvd. in St. Augustine, the new concept store hosted Adams on Tuesday, Aug. 28 as he unveiled the passion project to franchisee owners and corporate executives and helped to hang it on the wall. The piece, which Adams began working on in March, is named “Dunkin’ Tradition.” The painting blends the old and new, featuring a photo of a store in the 1950s and various gift/Perk cards that reflect the modern initiatives of the company.

The next generation concept for Dunkin’ Donuts features a more open, cleaner look and feel, with donut cases at the front of the store and taps for all cold beverages. The new design also includes an area inside to pick up orders made by phone, as well as a dedicated drive-through lane for customers who order via phone. Adams’ painting will complement these new features.

“It’s amazing that someone locally would do that for us,” said Brian Ramos, co-owner of St. Johns Donuts LLC, a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts that now has 11 stores in St. Johns County. “It’s amazing that he took time to do this and present it today for us.”

Ramos’ partner, John Griffey, echoed that sentiment and spoke to the importance of having local elements in their stores.

“We chose not to go with something off the shelf in Dunkin’ so we’re very excited to have that,” Griffey said. “As we remodel these stores, we’re committed to dedicating space for local stuff, as long as it fits our image and the brand approves.”

The local Dunkin’ Donuts business has previously served as a sponsor of Adams’ nonprofit organization, The CancerKare Fund, which supports breast cancer patients with treatment costs. To thank Ramos and Griffey, Adams produced the painting for the new store in St. Augustine.

 “The key to me is I’ve been friends with the owners for all these years,” Adams said. “It means a little bit more to me than if I’m commissioned by some stranger whom I don’t know. Being the first pub style (in Florida), this is really an extra boost to the enjoyment.”