A Dunkin’ Donuts is scheduled to open this April in Oakwood, and the franchise owner said he has plans to open another location in Gainesville some time this year.

James Laskaris, who owns 15 Dunkin’ Donuts in the Atlanta metro area, said he has purchased the rights to open Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in the greater Gainesville area.

The Oakwood store, which will be the only franchised doughnut store in Hall County, will be located near the intersection of Mundy Mill Road and Mundy Mill Drive, between the Bank of America and Taco Bell. Laskaris said it’s an ideal location.

“We try to get everyone on the way to their morning commute so we’re right on the way to (Interstate) 985,” Laskaris said. “We’ve got the college across the street. We think it will do well there.”

He expects initially to hire about 30 employees for the new store.

An exact location hasn’t been set for the Gainesville store, but a few sites are being considered and a decision should be made in the next few weeks, Laskaris said.

The first Dunkin’ Donuts opened in 1950 in Quincy, Mass., and there are about 9,200 stores worldwide. The closest to Gainesville is in Sugar Hill.

Sam McGee, who owns the property on Mundy Mill Road, said the recent inclement weather slowed construction, but once conditions improve, workers will be ready to pour the foundation.

“It is a great location so they should do very well,” he said.

The 2,000-square-foot store will be free standing and feature a drive-thru, 35 seats and an outdoor patio, Laskaris said. It also will be decorated with Dunkin’ Donuts’ newly updated design.

“It’s granite table tops, granite counter tops, dark wood,” he said. “It’s a lot nicer.”

Laskaris said grand opening festivities will be planned for the April opening.