By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Sweet Spot Bakehouse, 1185 W. Main Street, closed in August 2025, and immediately online there were rumors that the building had been purchased for use as a Dunkin’ shop. That plan has been officially confirmed on the October 13 agenda of the city’s Plan and Architectural Review Commission [PARC]. Per the application for a conditional use permit [CUP], the business plans to be open from 5 a.m.- 7 p.m. The CUP is required for a drive-thru, additional signage beyond that which is automatically allowed by ordinance, [existing] outdoor seating and site plan review.

According to the city planner’s review of the CUP application, “the overall site layout is not changing, the size of the building is not changing, and the drive-through layout is not changing from the existing configuration. However, the building will receive new facade, and the interior will be [significantly] renovated to match current design standards for the franchise.” The planner recommends approval of the CUP.

Though the stores were originally called Dunkin’ Donuts, per Wikipedia, “In September 2018, the company announced that it would shorten its name to Dunkin’…The company acknowledged that “Dunkin'” was already a common shorthand name for the chain among customers and in its marketing (including the slogan “America Runs on Dunkin'”), and that the rebranding would reflect the chain’s continuing shift towards being a “beverage-led” brand at a time when consumers have shown a preference for healthier trends and options as they consume fewer doughnuts.”