“Next Gen” Dunkin’ under construction in Woodlawn

Construction has begun on a next-generation Dunkin’ restaurant at Woodlawn Shopping Center.

Slated to open in the first quarter of 2023, the establishment will feature several new features and technologies designed to improve the customer experience, according to a Dunkin’ spokesperson. These amenities include a modern design; an innovative tap system to pour signature cold beverages; flavor-enhancing espresso machines for made-to-order drinks; energy-efficient infrastructure like LED lighting and low-flow faucets; and a drive-thru lane that lets reward club members who pre-order via the mobile app bypass the traditional order lane and proceed directly to the pick-up window.

The 2,025 square-foot restaurant will include both indoor and outdoor seating, four new landscape islands, a sidewalk and seven-foot-wide crosswalk, according to Fairfax County documents.

Rendering of the proposed site development at Dunkin' (Credit: Fairfax County)

Dunkin’ will occupy the former “Best Smokes” space at Woodlawn Center, which prior to that was a bank with a drive-thru. Dunkin’ plans to reconfigure the drive-thru but retain the building and its existing architecture. The space will undergo interior renovations and minor exterior improvements.

Credit: Fairfax County

In April 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the planned changes to the site. At the time, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said he was looking forward to Dunkin’ providing its modern-style restaurant and delivery approach to a “decades-old shopping center that truly needs revitalization.”

Built 60 years ago, the Woodlawn Shopping Center underwent renovation in 2020.

Upon completion, Dunkin’ officially will be located at 8702 Richmond Highway.