Old Lyme — A Dunkin' Donuts will be opening this October in the Halls Road building formerly occupied by KoffeeWorks, according to the company's media relations agency.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder acknowledged Tuesday that the move of a chain restaurant to Old Lyme has stirred up opposition, but she said the town can't fight the move as long as the coffee shop abides by zoning regulations.

"They're taking over a coffee shop: They have basically the same footprint and the same services," she said. "It's not a change of use. As long as they abide by all the zoning rules, there's not much that can be done."

Reemsnyder added that town regulations prohibit Dunkin' Donuts from having a drive-through window, and Jessella PR agency spokeswoman Sara Manners, speaking for the company, agreed that plans are to proceed without that typical convenience. The restaurant is being operated by Old Lyme Donuts LLC, described as a local franchisee.

"The new Dunkin' Donuts location will have the 'Dark Roast' design layout," Manners said in an email. "The restaurant will have comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, and will provide a welcoming environment."

Dunkin' Donuts, which is replacing a local KoffeeWorks store closed since July, is not the first chain restaurant to locate on Halls Road. More than a decade ago, the town was in an uproar when a Bess Eaton moved in just down the road from the Dunkin' Donuts site at 83 Halls Road.

Reemsnyder said she is planning to form a committee to look at making improvements to Halls Road, including lighting, signage and general aesthetics. She noted that some towns have regulations targeting chain restaurants and other franchise businesses that require them to blend in with a municipality's aesthetics.

Meanwhile, she welcomed the arrival of a restaurant that seems to have multiple locations most everywhere in Connecticut.

"They're entitled to do business here," Reemsnyder said. "We wish them well."

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter: @KingstonLeeHow