STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—A freshly remodeled Dunkin’ in Rossville threw a grand opening bash—replete with free coffee for lucky customers and a generous check to a local food pantry.
The gathering took place at 655 Rossville Ave. on Friday, Oct. 24, to celebrate the updated shop. Franchisee Neel Shah of The Shree Group marked the occasion with a $3,000 donation to the South Shore Community Food Pantry in partnership with the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.
“Thank you to Neel Shah and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation for this generous donation,” said Joe Preach, CEO and founder of the South Shore Community Food Pantry, during the ceremony.
The pantry operates in a pop-up style on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of each month on Chisolm Street behind Tottenville High School. The hub’s volunteers serve hundreds of families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity. In addition to food, it offers clothing, occasional gift cards, and emotional support to Staten Islanders who attend.
Preach added, “These funds will go towards feeding those in need within the local community and will go a long way towards aiding our mission.”
The celebration included a special promotion where the first 100 people in line at 3 p.m. received vouchers for a free medium hot or iced coffee for 100 days. Attendees also enjoyed spinning a prize wheel for Dunkin’ merchandise and taking advantage of a complimentary photo booth and face painter.
Dunkin’ Franchisee Neel Shah of The Shree Group presents a $3,000 donation to the South Shore Community Food Pantry to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Dunkin’ restaurant at 655 Rossville Ave. in the Rossville neighborhood of Staten Island on Friday, October 24. From left to right: Rossville Dunkin’ Crew Members; Dunkin’ Franchisee Neel Shah; South Shore Community Food Pantry CEO and Founder Joe Preach; New York City Councilman Frank Morano; and Shree Group Area Manager Rujul Desai.(Courtesy of Dunkin’)
Several local officials participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, including New York City Councilman Frank Morano, Staten Island Community Board 3 Chair Diane Peruggia, representatives from Borough President Vito J. Fossella’s office, and members of FDNY Engine 168.
Rossville’s Dunkin’ is the latest to get a facelift in an era when the company goes simply by “Dunkin.” The brand officially dropped “Donuts” from its name on January 1, 2019, following a September 2018 announcement. The rebranding marked a strategic shift to spotlight its beverage offerings—especially coffee—while modernizing the brand and honoring its roots.
Wondering how Dunkin’ started on Staten Island? With roots going back at least four decades, the Hylan Boulevard shop at Burbank Avenue in New Dorp is widely considered the oldest known Dunkin’ in the borough—a true neighborhood staple that’s served generations of coffee lovers and doughnut devotees.
While Dunkin’ corporate couldn’t confirm the precise opening date, longtime locals remember when the menu was simple, featuring only hot coffee and classic doughnuts.
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