The first Dunkin' Donuts location in the Fresno-Clovis area opens Oct. 21 at the University Center on the Fresno State campus. Photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez

Fresno State will be filling a hole for food options with the long-anticipated opening of Dunkin’ Donuts later this month.

Dunkin’ Donuts will be opening the chain’s first location in the Fresno-Clovis area just east of the Fresno State Library on the lower level of the University Center, where the Taco Bell Express used to be, university officials confirmed Friday.

Nicole Lane — executive director of auxiliary services, which oversees  campus dining services — said the donut and coffee shop should be ready for a soft launch on Monday, Oct. 21.

The Dunkin’ Donuts will be a franchise location with University Dining Services operating the venue. The space covers 2,119 square feet.

Dunkin’ Donuts will offer its full menu, which includes breakfast sandwiches, pastries, specialty coffee and tea drinks and more.

It will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Weekend hours may be adjusted further based on campus events.

A university spokesperson said the space still has some painting, electrical and plumbing work to be, with equipment being hooked up and the installation of furniture starting next week.

Megan Sarantos, director of dining services, said she anticipates hiring 25-35 student staff members for the campus location.

The school plans to use directional signage in the areas near the University Center and parking lot P31 to help guide customers to the space.

The spokesperson said they don’t know what the community and off campus demand will be, but if significant, they will partner with Traffic Operations to see how they would accommodate.

Dunkin’ Donuts was founded in 1950 in Massachusetts and opened its first Central Valley franchise in Hanford in 2017. A Dunkin’ location inside the Madera Walmart opened 2018. A Visalia store debuted in 2020.