DUNKIN’ DONUTS SUES EX-FRANCHISEE OVER TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
Dunkin’ Donuts Franchising LLC is suing Minda’s Donuts, a former franchisee in East Hampstead, for continuing to sell coffee and donuts in two stores under the Dunkin’ brand.
Aminda Daviduk, the franchise owner and defendant, opened both stores under the Dunkin’ brand in 2017. But Dunkin’ ended the franchise for the first store on Sandown Road on September 27, 2022, the same day the landlord terminated its lease based on repeated breaches of that leases limits on operating hours, said the complaint.
The complaint alleges that during an Oct. 12 “routine inspection” the store received a score of 48 out of 100 points. Mold was growing on the ice machine, equipment and utensils were dirty, employees were not washing their hands, and cooking temperatures were not properly monitored, alleged the complaint. After a follow-up inspection on Dec. 8, Minda’s got a 58 because of many repeat violations, including failing to keep equipment sanitized or maintain sanitizer at the proper concentration levels, the complaint alleges.
Dunkin’ alleges violations of trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition and breach of contract. In addition to treble damages, disgorgement, attorney’s fees and interest, it is also seeking an injunction from preventing the company from continuing to operate the restaurants or any businesses offering similar services within five miles for two years.
MASIELLO GROUP ADDS TO MAINE FOOTPRINT
The Bedford-based regional firm of Better Homes & Gardens The Masiello Group has expanded yet again, opening a new residential office in South Portland, Maine.
The new office gives The Masiello Group — among New England’s largest residential real estate groups — 16 locations in Maine alone.
The firm also has 17 offices in New Hampshire and two in Vermont.
Jon Safford, the group’s sales director, said in a news release that the opening “represents our commitment to residents coming and going while navigating the fluctuating market, as well as allowing us to become a part of the surrounding businesses and wonderful community.”
The Masiello Group is a second-generation family-run business whose history dates back to 1966, when it was founded in Keene by Jim Masiello, father of the firm’s current CEO Chris Masiello.
MERCHANTS FLEET DOUBLES LENDING CAPACITY
Merchants Fleet, the Hooksett-based fleet management company, has announced a major expansion of its lending capacity, more than doubling its ability to fund vehicles and equipment for its traditional fleet and mobility clients throughout the country.
The move comes on the heels of Merchants’ announcement that it was acquired by a new ownership group consisting of Bain Capital, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and members of the Merchants executive leadership team in October 2022.
Led by French international banking group BNP Paribas, Merchants’ core member funding group includes other top international banks. The company said the deal enables it to access capital to lease vehicles and equipment for larger clients.
The company said it has established two separate, significant financing warehouse facilities as it continues to evolve and successfully execute on its long-term capital strategy.
C/A DESIGN BUILDING $35M HEADQUARTERS IN EXETER
C/A Design, an aerospace and defense industry manufacturer, is moving from its current facility in Dover to a new $35 million, 115,000-square-foot building in Exeter.
C/A said the site will be used to manufacture cooling systems used in aircraft and military defense. The company owned by Heico Companies will be relocating from its current facility at 180 Crosby Rd. in Dover.
The company is still working out of its Dover location, and will continue there until the Exeter facility is complete.
The Dover building is listed for sale at $3 million and is currently under contract.
