The familiar sight of the Dunkin’ at 6353 SOM Center Road has officially vanished from the Solon landscape, making way for a modern reconstruction project designed to tackle one of the city’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks. As part of Mayor Eddy Kraus’ 2026 infrastructure and business update, the demolition marks the beginning of a total “revitalization” of the site, which had long outgrown its original footprint.
Dunkin’ Demolition: Making Room for 25 Cars
The primary driver behind the decision to tear down the existing building rather than simply renovate it was the need for a massive drive-thru expansion. The previous configuration often led to traffic spilling out onto SOM Center Road during morning rushes, creating safety concerns and congestion. The new facility will feature a significantly lengthened drive-thru lane capable of accommodating up to 25 vehicles at once. According to city reports, the location closed in late February 2026 for the teardown, with construction expected to continue through the spring and summer.
Timeline and Community Impact
While coffee lovers will have to find alternative caffeine stops for a few months, the wait won’t be permanent. The project is currently on track to reopen between July and September 2026. This reconstruction is just one piece of a larger $15 to $30 million annual infrastructure push in Solon, which also includes the upcoming diverging diamond intersection at U.S. 422 and Harper Road and the continued expansion of the Solon to Chagrin Falls trail system.