Move Over Target: Walmart North in Rochester is Adding a Major National Favorite

Walmart finished dead last in the most recent annual ranking of customer satisfaction for American grocery chains. I’m not entirely surprised. I hear people here in Minnesota making fun of the “People of Walmart” or complaining about the shopping experience all the time.

But despite the jokes, we are still shopping there, a lot. Walmart sees roughly 225 million people through its doors or on its website every week, pulling in nearly $700 billion in annual revenue. To keep that momentum going, the company is in the middle of a massive national "remodel" phase to try and shed that "least favorite" reputation.

BELOW: If you ever hear "Code Brown" over the Walmart intercom, your safety could be in serious jeopardy. Find out what that—and several other secret codes—actually mean at the bottom of this story.

Remodeling at Rochester Big Box Stores

In Rochester, we’ve already seen the South Walmart undergo its transformation. Now, the North store is getting its turn. It’s not just Walmart, either. Target recently announced its own massive 2026 strategic plan, investing billions to refresh stores and floor plans.

If you’ve stepped into the North Walmart lately, you know it’s currently a bit of a maze. They are moving entire departments and rearranging the interior to make room for the renovation. But while I was running in for some last-minute Easter goodies, I noticed something brand new near the entrance that caught my eye.

Tucked right between the cashiers and the wall near customer service and the bathrooms, there’s a new section behind some security gates. It’s a full-on Dunkin’ coffee bar with several choices on tap.

Get our free mobile app

This is part of a growing partnership between the two giants. In 2024, the CEO of Dunkin’s parent company said  Walmart and Dunkin’ share the same "mainstream American customer base" who value speed and convenience. 

• According to Dunkin’, these in-store shops are designed to feel just like a standalone neighborhood location.
• A full menu of hot and iced coffee, lattes, and cappuccino with Nitro, Cold Brew, Green Tea, Original and Decaf Coffee on tap.
• Breakfast sandwiches and, of course, donuts.
• The ability to pre-pay for your coffee at the Walmart register along with your groceries so it’s ready for pickup on your way out.