June 23, 2016: The day Dunkin Donuts lovers lives changed forever. As many of you may have heard, a clip of security film was released from the beloved franchise in Mendon, MA showcasing a manager dropping a tray of donuts, then proceeding to place the donuts back on the wrack and selling these donuts.
I grew up frequenting this franchise. This particular Dunkin is literally in my grandparents' back yard, so it was very common for me to walk through the yard on the weekends to get a donut or a coolada. Just two weeks ago I completed this typical routine to get a coffee. This Dunkin Donuts was a huge part of my childhood. And now, I will never look at it the same.
After watching the film countless times, I am left disgusted. I have read the employees' horror stories of working at the franchise since the video went viral. I am left absolutely mortified. Dunkin Donuts is a huge culture in the northeast, but especially in small towns. We didn't grow up with Starbucks on every block, but rather one Dunkin in the neighboring town. Strawberry frosted donuts were the best post-soccer-game treats. I cannot count the number of times that I was that kid in the soccer uniform or ballet outfit standing in line waiting with excitement to get my donut. And now I am left to question how that establishment remains open.
I drive by this franchise a few times a day. Even since breaking the news, I have seen drive thru lines wrapping around the building, as if parents don't care that the food they are giving their child very well could have been dropped on the floor. How can people continue to support an establishment when it has been investigated by the Board of Health recently and is making national news--and not for good reasons. I am absolutely disgusted by how the town has handled this situation. It's not like someone anonymously dropped the footage off at the Board of Health--it has gone viral on the internet and is now making national news. Parents should be aware of the filth that is occurring within this franchise, and should be driving the extra few miles to visit another location, or even better, a local coffee shop (Uber cafe is literally in the next plaza over, and might I add much healthier).
So parents: do your research. Pay attention to the food that you are giving your children. And pay attention to the news. Something this major should post red flags. And to this franchise: I am absolutely disgusted that management is responsible for this action. It is absolutely repulsive that a manager is allowed to get away with things like this. I can quite honestly say that until this establishment is closed or new management is hired, I will not be giving you a penny of my money.
