If you've been someone who's had a job since you were 15 like me, there's a solid chance you've worked somewhere like McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway, or really any chain restaurant.
For the last 3 years, I have worked at Dunkin' Donuts. I will say I genuinely am never shocked by specific orders or complaints after multiple years of shuffling through jobs I could really only get when I was so young at the time. I am especially grateful for my job and I can easily say I genuinely enjoy it from time to time. Like any job really, it gets stressful from time to time.
Usually, however, this is due customers who are just unaware of Dunkin's standards. Here are a few things to educate yourself on the everyday dilemmas Dunkin' workers deal with:
1. We are not McDonald's or Starbucks
As off as it may seem, when you order a small coffee you simply say...small coffee. Although I am familiar with the tall, grande, and venti terms of Starbucks, they are not universal terms at Dunkin'. In terms of food, do not confuse McDonalds breakfast with Dunkin Breakfast...yes...this happens, and no we do not have Egg McMuffins.
2. If you don't clarify, we assume your coffee is hot, and we do not somehow know your size
Before rambling off your order, please say your size and drink preference. Ok yes, half decaf hazelnut with 8 sugars and skim...although this is straightforward, is it medium, or large? Is it hot or iced coffee? When this occurs for multiple drinks extra time is required which frustrates the customer ordering as well as the other customers in line.
3. "Regular" coffee is not a standard
Do not use the term "regular." Regular means multiple things according to the average customer. Regular coffee blend, regular meaning black coffee, or regular meaning with cream and sugar. The term is too arbitrary for us to guess, so please specify your preference.
4. We cannot physically put a half of a sugar or cream in a beverage
When it comes to sugar and dairy, Dunkin' utilizes calibrated machines. Every drink has a standard number of cream and sugar, and the smallest amount used is 1. If you have a specific preference in terms of cream and sugar, ask for it on the side. This saves us time and meets your expectations for what you want.
5. Latte's are not made "light and sweet"
In simple terms, espresso beverages like lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos all consist of different amounts of espresso and milk. They are not made with cream. You can use choices of regular, skim, or almond milk.
6. Please do not order while on the phone or give me a list
I get that everyone is busy, however, when ordering for a matter of two or so minutes, please do wait to finish a phone call. In addition, if you have a list of beverages, you don't have to silently sit there and hand me a list without regarding my existence. Believe it or not, the order goes quicker when you read off a list, not when you give us one.
7. Understand coupons
If you have a coupon for a $1.29 bagel with cream cheese, or a coffee or latte card, do not ask to substitute other products. Coupons work specifically after ringing up what the coupon says. It will not scan with something else. Especially, do not get frustrated when I cannot fulfill your request.
Overall, although Dunkin' is a straightforward job, a little respect and understanding goes a long way and makes both your life and mine easier.
