The directors of a large Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners group have resigned their seats to form a new “professional” board comprised of non-franchisee businesspeople.

The move by Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchise Owners Inc. is an attempt to gain more credibility in the eyes of Dunkin Brands Inc. and provide an independent view of what’s best for its members, president Mark Dubinsky told Blue MauMau, a franchise news Web site.

The restructuring was prompted by a growing rift between DDIFO, which represents 100 New England and New York franchisees who own more than 1,000 Dunkin’ stores, and the leadership of Dunkin’ Brands, Dubinsky said.

A recent survey indicated DDIFO members overwhelmingly opposed new distribution deals signed by Dunkin’ Brands for fear they’ll cut into their own profits. The deals allow for self-service Dunkin’ kiosks at Hess gas stations and Sara Lee Foodservice venues, and supermarket coffee sales through Procter & Gamble.

cw-3 Dubinsky said that Dunkin’ management sees DDIFO members as a “bunch of radicals” looking at issues only from their own perspective. He did not return calls for comment yesterday.

The new DDIFO board includes a certified public accountant, investment banker, franchise attorney and commercial banker.

Dunkin’ Brands declined comment on the change. “We recognize and respect that individuals and organizations such as the DDIFO, that have no official ties to the Dunkin’ Brands organization or our elected franchisee advisory councils, have their own agendas, to which they are certainly entitled,” spokesman Stephen Caldeira said. “However, they do not seem to take into consideration the strength and well-being of the entire Dunkin’ Donuts organization.”
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