CANTON, MASS. — Dunkin’ Donuts has signed multi-unit store development agreements with two franchise groups to develop 11 new restaurants throughout New Orleans over the next several years.

The two franchise groups and their development plans include:

•Alaa and Dhiya Esmail plan to develop six restaurants in New Orleans. Their first restaurant is scheduled to open in 2013, and the remainder should open by 2016.

•BBC Foods, L.L.C. plans to develop five new restaurants in New Orleans. Led by Bhavin and Bharat Chauhan, the first restaurant is scheduled to open in 2014. The remainder should open by 2018.

Dunkin’ said franchise opportunities are still available in Louisiana in Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Orleans, Alexandria and Monroe.

“Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day,” said Grant Benson, vice-president of franchising and business development for Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. “We believe these new franchise partners will cultivate lasting customer relationships and become integral parts of their local communities.”

In mid-January, Nigel Travis, chief executive officer of Dunkin’ Donuts, Inc., told participants at the ICR XChange Conference in Miami that Dunkin’ plans to eventually operate more than 15,000 Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in the United States, up from 7,306 currently. The company also recently announced it is entering Southern California. The company is recruiting franchisees for Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange counties and expects restaurants in these markets will begin to open in 2015.