Montvale Avenue Dunkin Donuts to Expand Operating Hours

WOBURN, MA — Coffee and doughnut lovers rejoice, the Montvale Avenue Dunkin Donuts will be open a bit earlier and will stay open significantly later following the Sept. 20 meeting of Woburn City Council.

During the meeting, City Council voted to amend a special permit allowing the Montvale Dunkin to expand its operating ours to 5 a.m. to midnight. Currently, the store opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.

The building owner NGP Management LLC, represented by attorney Joseph Tarby, had originally requested that hours be expanded to 4 a.m. to midnight, but City Council approved an opening time of 5 a.m.

"The change of hours is consistent with what is going on in the area, but I think 4 a.m. to midnight is a little excessive," said Ward Five Alderman Darlene Mercer-Bruen at the meeting."At 5 a.m. you start to get the work crowd. At 4 a.m., you might get the crowd that might have been out a little too late."

In 1997, City Council granted a special permit for a fast food restaurant allowing the store to be open until 8 p.m. Area businesses such as Wendy's, who's drive-through is open until Midnight, and McDonald's which is open until 2 a.m on Friday and Saturday.

Ward Four Alderman Michael Anderson agreed with the 5 a.m opening time, and stated that the expansion was consistent with area businesses.

"Midnight seems a little late but it's consistent with the area," Anderson said.

However, Ward Two Alderman Richard Gately stated that he has been in situations where he was in search for a cup of coffee at 4 a.m. after plowing snow.

"I know myself plowing snow all night you are looking for a place at 4 a.m. to get a cup of coffee," Gately said.

City Council unanimously approved a motion by Mercer-Bruen to expand the operating hours to 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., as well as the ability for the restaurant to use an internally-lit sign.

Patch file photo