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GREENSBORO -- It's been more than five years since Munchkins were spotted in Greensboro.

But at 5 a.m. Thursday, they'll be rolling out the door at the new Dunkin' Donuts (337 W. Wendover Ave.; 332-0987), adjacent to the Exxon station at Cridland Road.

Wendover franchise operating officer Ricky Matani has had plenty of folks stop in and ask when they plan to open. Many, he says, are from the Northeast and miss bread-based doughnuts and coffee.

The last Greensboro Dunkin' Donuts closed on High Point Road in 2003. A Dunkin' Donuts location on Eastchester Drive in High Point opened in May 2006.

"We've sent samples around the neighborhood," says Matani, who operates the franchise with Andy Patel. "The response has been good. People around here get up early and are eager to come in and have breakfast."

The store offers a selection of its signature items, including the Boston Kreme and the popular Munchkins, bite-sized doughnuts.

But the franchise also has a selection of breakfast sandwiches that include bagels, croissants and biscuits with egg, cheese and choice of meat.

Muffins and coffee come in a variety of flavors.

And there's also espresso drinks, tea and hot chocolate.

Many hot beverages can be ordered iced.

As an opening special, a small, medium and large coffee is only .99 through Sept. 15.

Matani says that anything on the menu, including breakfast items, are available all day. He plans to open one or two more Greensboro franchises in the coming months.

Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but Matani says he may eventually remain open later on weekends.

Sample brews Saturday

More than 200 beers will be available for tasting during the Summertime Brews Festival.

The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Pavilion of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Lee St.

Tickets are $25. Visit www.summertimebrews.com for more information.

Specials offered

Coffee Connect (1405-E N.C. 66 Kernersville; 497-4701), a new family-owned coffee shop, is offering all sorts of things for Customer Appreciation Week.

On Thursday, the first 25 kids who purchase a smoothie get a goodie bag. The offer is repeated on Friday for the first 25 teachers.

For more information, visit www.coffeeconnectcoffeeshop.com.

Anniversary brunch

It's been two years since chef Mitchell Nicks opened Muse Restaurant and Wine Bar (3124 Kathleen Ave., Greensboro) in Friendly Center. To celebrate, he'll hold a special brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 24.

There also will be complimentary champagne and live jazz.

For reservations, call

323-1428.

Deals on tapas

For the deal-conscious, Thursday is the night to stop by Solaris Tapas Restaurant and Bar (125 Summit Ave., Greensboro; 378-0198). All tapas are half price from 5 to 7 p.m.

Make a party with pitchers of white, rose or red sangria for $20.

For information, visit www.gettapas.com.

Organic poultry offered

Earth Fare Market and Café (2965 Battleground Ave., Greensboro; 369-0190) now offers award-winning Bell & Evans organic poultry products.

For more information, visit www.earthfare.com.

Have restaurant news or tips, contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com.