Introduction to Stow, Mass.
A Massachusetts town is changing its name to Dunkin’ — for a day, at least.
The Stow Select Board voted unanimously last week to rename the town Dunkin’ for one day on July 24 in honor of the grand opening of the town’s new Dunkin’ store. The town had been without a Dunkin’ location since its two previous locations closed within 30 days of each other back in 2022.
The "Dunkin’ Desert" Era
The town’s status as a so-called "Dunkin’ Desert" went viral that year when WBZ NewsRadio’s Matt Shearer posted a funny TikTok video poking fun at the town’s predicament, sparking national media coverage.
Watch the viral TikTok video below:
@wbznewsradio Our thoughts are with the people of Stow, MA. #StowMA #Massachusetts #NewEngland #Boston #MaynardMA #SudburyMA #ActonMA #HudsonMA #Dunkin #MassachusettsCheck #MassachusettsTikTok ♬ original sound – WBZ NewsRadio
The New Dunkin’ Store
Mark and Megan Pesce, who operate multiple Dunkin’ franchises in the Greater Boston area, purchased 108 Great Road in Stow last August – the site of the long-closed Beef ‘N Ale restaurant on the Lower Village Common.
“As soon as we heard the two stores in Stow had closed, we wanted to fix that,” Megan Pesce told select board members.
Grand Opening Celebration
The couple asked the board to adopt Dunkin’ as the town’s name in honor of their store’s grand opening celebration, which will be held on July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
There will be giveaways, like 100 days of free coffee for the first 100 Dunkin’ Rewards members in line, a live unveiling of the "Dunkin’ Desert" gallery wall and the presentation of a $5,000 check to the Stow Food Pantry.
Reaction from the Community
“When the story did come out, I had friends from the Massachusetts area who moved to California, and from all the way there they let us know they were praying for us,” Select Board Member Dan Peterson said. “I guess our prayers have been answered.”
Conclusion
The town of Stow, Mass. is excited to temporarily change its name to Dunkin’ in celebration of the new store’s grand opening. The event promises to be a fun-filled day with giveaways, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a presentation to the Stow Food Pantry.
FAQs
Q: Why is the town of Stow, Mass. changing its name to Dunkin’?
A: The town is changing its name to Dunkin’ for one day, July 24, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Dunkin’ store.
Q: What events are planned for the grand opening celebration?
A: The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, a live unveiling of the "Dunkin’ Desert" gallery wall, and the presentation of a $5,000 check to the Stow Food Pantry.
Q: How long will the town’s name be changed to Dunkin’?
A: The town’s name will only be changed to Dunkin’ for one day, July 24.
