Dunkin‘ patrons in Nebraska and New Mexico have been met with an unusual disappointment: stores are running out of doughnuts, the company’s hallmark product. The shortage, attributed to what the company has vaguely described as a “manufacturing error,” has left customers frustrated and puzzled.
“Manufacturing error” disrupts doughnut supply
Signs posted at Dunkin’ locations in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island have pointed to the mysterious manufacturing issue as the cause of the supply gap. When pressed for more information, a West Omaha store manager declined to elaborate, stating that corporate directives restricted them from providing further details.
The disruption appears widespread, with reports of similar shortages in other states. Jack D’Amato, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands, which owns Dunkin’, acknowledged the problem, attributing it to a single supplier. According to D’Amato, approximately 4% of Dunkin’s 9,500 U.S. locations have been affected, though he did not disclose the full list of impacted regions.
Efforts to replenish the supply are already underway, but the root cause of the issue remains under investigation.
A recurring problem?
This is not Dunkin’s first brush with a doughnut supply crisis. A similar shortage occurred in 2021, although this time, the scale appears more significant. Nebraska and New Mexico have been particularly affected, but reports suggest the problem might extend beyond these areas, raising concerns among loyal customers.
Dunkin’s global legacy and customer reactions
Dunkin’, founded in 1950 in Massachusetts, has grown into a global coffee and doughnut juggernaut with over 13,200 locations worldwide. After dropping “Donuts” from its name in 2018, the chain was acquired by Inspire Brands in 2020 for a staggering $11.3 billion.
The shortage has ignited mixed reactions online. While some customers have expressed frustration over the lack of doughnuts, others are intrigued by the peculiar circumstances surrounding the “manufacturing error.” As Dunkin’ works to resolve the issue, the episode has become a talking point among fans of the iconic chain.