What originally was a planned mid-November opening is now a mid-December opening of the Bluffton Dunkin Donuts Restaurant at 499 State Route 103.

Carolyn Dalton, construction manager, told the Icon that the staff is hired and is now in training. Gerri Ziolkowski of Rawson is the store manager.

With a tentative 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15,  store opening, two of the holdups includes installation of the final signage and a phone installation.

Dalton said that opening date may move back due to the sign installation. The Icon will update viewers next week.

Mike Eirons, director of personnel support and development for the company owning the franchise, told the Icon earlier this fall that up to 30 full-time employees may be hired.

The store is the former location of Burger King Restaurant. Demolition of the Burger King began in early August and construction of the new Dunkin’ Donuts building has progressed since then.

Bluffton will join a franchise, which has restaurants in Findlay and Fostoria, according to Eirons. He said once the Bluffton site opens, hours will be 5 a.m. to late evening, seven days a week.