Dunkin' Donuts is a Sweet Addition to Smithville Square

April 13, 2020
Joe Schwartz

GALLOWAY – Dunkin’ Donuts opened its doors to hordes of patrons eager for cup of coffee and a sweet treat Sunday, Feb. 19 at Smithville Square on Route 9.


The shopping center parking lot, which has more than 500 spaces, was nearly full as people lined up to place their coffee and doughnut orders.


Smithville Square developer Harvey Rosenblatt of P3RE Properties said Tuesday, Feb. 21 that Dunkin’ Donuts is drawing lots of traffic at the rebounding shopping center. Rosenblatt purchased the 107,943-square-foot plaza last year, and renovations are nearly complete. 


Dunkin’ Donuts is the latest tenant to open in the center, which has about 10 slots left to fill.


Rosenblatt said patrons packed the center to stop at Dunkin’ Donuts and do some other shopping. He said there is a tremendous momentum building since the store’s grand opening.


“I was waiting until primary construction was done and when Dunkin’ was done so I could start heavily promoting it,” Rosenblatt said. “I am showing space to a possible gym tenant.”


He said township officials including Mayor Don Purdy, Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola and other members of the governing body, Police Chief Donna Higbee and Township Manager Chris Johansen have been extremely supportive of the project, which includes a drive-through window.


Purdy attended the grand opening, along with other officials including Councilman Tony DiPietro.


“It is very exciting for not just the Smithville community but for Galloway Township,” Purdy said Tuesday. “Harvey had vision and devotion to bring a depressed shopping center back to life.


“I would like to thank Dunkin’ Donuts for being a great supporter of Galloway Township to come here and see and understand the vision. I think with Smithville residents and the Four Seasons there will be plenty of people to patronize the center. It is really an asset to the community.”


Rosenblatt said the grand opening and support from the mayor and the community has been strong.


“It was a great day,” Rosenblatt said. “The mayor told the story that if you don’t built it, I will. He has really been helping us. I see the additional traffic and momentum. Dunkin’ should really help drive quality tenants to the shopping center.”