Dunkin' Brands did not have a "spectacular" quarter, but it did execute important strategies for the future, CEO Nigel Travis said Thursday.
For one, it launched its cold brew coffee, which is a "game changer," he said in an interview with CNBC's "Closing Bell."
It also launched on-the-go ordering.
"This is the biggest operational change since we introduced drive-throughs," he said.
The company reported weaker-than-expected sales growth and strong headwinds in international markets Thursday. It also fell short on revenue, which came in at $216.3 million. Analysts had called for revenue of $220.2 million.
Earnings, however, beat expectations. Dunkin' Brands reported adjusted profit of 57 cents per share against a forecast of 56 cents a share. Revenue came in at $216.3 million, while analysts, on average, had called for revenue of $220.2 million.
The company also announced it would be selling most of its company-owned stores.
"We will probably end up, to be honest, with no company stores in the near future. We feel the time for them has passed. We're 100 percent franchise," Travis told CNBC.
He said the move will have no impact on the company's profitability.
He also hopes that whoever becomes the next president focuses on supporting small-business people like those who own the Dunkin' franchises.
— CNBC's Sarah Whitten contributed to this report.