Dunkin' Opens in Harlem with $20K for Therapy Dog Program

When a coffee shop opens with a $20,000 gift to help sick kids, you know something special is brewing in Harlem, Georgia.

The new Dunkin' location opens Friday, May 15 at 755 Point Bluff Parkway with more than just donuts and lattes. At 9 a.m., the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation will present a $20,000 grant to Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia to support Popcorn, a trained therapy dog who brings comfort to young patients.

Popcorn is part of the Dogs for Joy program, which has placed more than 50 facility dogs in hospitals nationwide. These specially trained pups do more than offer cuddles. They help care teams reduce patient stress during treatment and encourage kids to get moving during recovery.

The grand opening kicks off at 8 a.m. with a celebration that matches the generous spirit. The first 100 guests will receive free coffee for 100 days when they visit the store. A live DJ and appearances by Cuppy, the Dunkin' mascot, will keep the party going, along with a prize wheel offering branded merchandise.

The Ripple Effect

This marks the 21st Dunkin' location for local franchisees Peter, AJ, and Sam Patel across Georgia and South Carolina. By choosing to support pediatric care in their community, they're setting a tone that goes beyond business. The 1,800-square-foot restaurant will employ about 30 workers, creating jobs while serving up hope.

The new store features modern touches like a dedicated mobile-order pickup lane for Dunkin' Rewards members and a tap system serving cold brew, iced coffee, and nitro coffee. Indoor seating accommodates 16 guests, and free Wi-Fi makes it a comfortable spot to work or relax.

The store opens weekdays at 5 a.m. and weekends at 6 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. daily.

Sometimes the best way to welcome neighbors is with coffee in one hand and compassion in the other.