Dunkin’ ‘Manufacturing Error’ Affects Donut Availability – NBC Chicago
No Doughnuts in Sight: Nebraska and New Mexico Stores Run Out
Dunkin’ stores in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island in Nebraska, as well as some other states, have run out of doughnuts due to a “manufacturing error”. The stores have put up signs on their doors and drive-thru kiosks informing customers that the pastries are unavailable. Some locations still offered “Munchkins”, or doughnut holes, on Friday.
Customers Left Disappointed
Tyler Raikar, of Omaha, stopped by a Dunkin’ in west Omaha early Friday, seeking coffee and a chocolate cake doughnut. When she was told the location had no doughnuts, she exclaimed, “What? No doughnuts! That’s tragic!” Although she was disappointed, she was more interested in the coffee and hoped the doughnuts would become available soon.
A Supply Chain Issue?
Throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico, and surrounding suburbs, store after store confirmed a doughnut drought. Some employees attributed the shortage to a supply chain issue, while others said delivery trucks had been arriving without the cargo that the chain is most famous for. Employees hoped stocks would be replenished by next week.
A Manager’s Statement
A manager at the west Omaha Dunkin’ location said she couldn’t provide more information on the cause of the shortage, citing orders from Dunkin’s corporate headquarters. She confirmed the shortage was a national issue.
No Shortage in Other Regions
Checks of locations in other regions, including St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston, found no shortage of the sweet treats. Boston, in particular, has a near-cult-like following for Dunkin’.
About Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is one of the world’s largest coffee and doughnut brands, with over 13,200 restaurants. The company was founded in Massachusetts in 1950 and was purchased for $11.3 billion in 2020 by Atlanta private equity firm Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Statement from Inspire Brands
A spokesperson for Inspire Brands, Jack D’Amato, said there was an issue with doughnuts from a single supplier that impacted stores in Nebraska and some other states. He did not name the other states. About 4% of Dunkin’s U.S. stores were affected, with over 9,500 stores nationwide. The company is still investigating the issue and has begun restocking some affected stores.
A Look Back at Dunkin’s History
Dunkin’ previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts, dropped “Donuts” from its name in 2018 as part of a rebranding effort to increase focus on its coffee and other drinks, which make up the majority of its sales.
Conclusion
The doughnut drought is a temporary setback for Dunkin’ fans, but the company has assured that it is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers can still get their fix of coffee and other drinks at their local Dunkin’ stores.
FAQs
* What caused the doughnut shortage?
A: A manufacturing error with a single supplier impacted some Dunkin’ stores.
* How many stores were affected?
A: About 4% of Dunkin’s U.S. stores, with over 9,500 stores nationwide.
* When will the doughnuts be available again?
A: The company hopes to have them restocked by next week.
* Is this a national issue?
A: Yes, confirmed by a manager at a west Omaha Dunkin’ location.
