The name Dunkin’ Donuts may be misleading to people who are not familiar with the eatery.

The menu has much more than the typical doughnuts, including a variety of breakfast sandwiches, bakery sandwiches (chicken salad, grilled, ham and cheese), tuna and chicken salad wraps and even frozen drinks.

“You can pick how you want to start your day — with something sweet or something with protein — it’s all available,” said Gary Shatswell, vice president of marketing for the Sizzling Platter.

The Sizzling Platter expanded its franchise and introduced Dunkin’ Donuts to the region with its store at 8775 Washington St. The eatery opened Dec. 12.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the country’s most beloved brands, and we look forward to serving our fans in the Denver area,” said Ted Morton, CEO of Sizzling Platter.

This is the third Dunkin’ Donuts to open in the Denver area — there’s one at 366 Broadway and one at Denver International Airport.

The Thornton restaurant is operated by franchise owner Sizzling Platter, a Utah-based restaurant management company operating restaurants in seven states in the Mountain West, Southwest and Pacific Northwest, including Dunkin’ Donuts, Little Caesars, Hoppers Grill & Brew Pub, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Sizzler Family Steakhouse.

Shatswell said the company has had success with its Little Caesars in the area and opening a Dunkin’ Donuts “made sense because we have a great customer base already.”

Guests who visit the new restaurant in Thornton before Dec. 24 will receive a free medium hot or iced coffee. For those that haven’t had a chance to taste the restaurant’s brew, they are in for a treat, Shatswell said.

“It’s much milder coffee than some of the other brands out there,” he said.

The doughnuts are made fresh, and the bakery menu includes bagels and muffins as well. For Dunkin’ Donuts’ full menu, visit www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/menu.html.  

The restaurant will be opened 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily and has flatscreen televisions and offers free Wi-Fi in the dining room.

There are nearly 10,800 Dunkin’ Donuts in 31 countries worldwide. The Sizzler Platter is eyeing Westminster and Boulder as potential homes for new Dunkin’ Donuts, Shatswell said.