The Development Authority of Dawson County has confirmed that a Dunkin Donuts franchise will open soon in Dawson County.

This has been a two-year process, said Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the development authority. We are very excited to have a nationally known chain come to Dawson County.

Plans call for the construction of a stand-alone building to be located on Ga. 400, just north of the Premium Outlet Mall.

Auvermann worked with the developers and Dunkin Donuts corporate by providing information to potential franchisees who requested the forms. There were more than 20 applicants for the Dawson County location, according to Auvermann.

There are companies and investors out there that are tired of the doomsday, paranoid rhetoric exhibited over the past two years, said Auvermann. If you look back at 2012, there were a number of businesses that opened in our county, and most have been very successful. ... This new franchise is certainly an example of that faith.

The new donut shop is expected to open late this summer and to generate about 20 new jobs for the county.