Dunkin‘, known for its coffee and pastries, experienced an unusual problem across Nebraska this week: no doughnuts on the shelves.
Customers visiting Dunkin’ stores in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island on Thursday and Friday were greeted with empty cases and signs explaining the shortage.
According to the notices, the absence of doughnuts was due to a “manufacturing error.” However, some locations offered limited quantities of Munchkins (doughnut holes) on Friday.
Customer Reactions
The shortage left some customers disappointed. Tyler Raikar, a phlebotomist from Omaha, stopped by a Dunkin’ in west Omaha after her shift, hoping for coffee and a chocolate cake doughnut.
“What? No doughnuts!” Raikar said, visibly surprised. “That’s tragic!”
While Raikar still enjoyed her coffee, she expressed hope that doughnuts would return soon.
Details on the Shortage
A manager at a west Omaha Dunkin’ confirmed on Friday that the shortage was due to a national issue but declined to provide further details, citing corporate instructions. However, other Dunkin’ locations outside Nebraska, including in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston, reported no such shortages.
Bryce Bares, the owner of several Dunkin’ franchises in Nebraska, told the Omaha World-Herald that the issue stemmed from products received from suppliers that “were not up to standard.” Bares emphasized his commitment to serving quality products and noted that suppliers had since resolved the problem. Nebraska Dunkin’ stores are expected to have doughnuts back on the menu soon.
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Dunkin’s Doughnut Legacy
Founded in Massachusetts in 1950, Dunkin’ is one of the world’s largest coffee and doughnut chains, with over 13,200 locations. The company dropped the “Donuts” from its name in 2018 to highlight its coffee and other beverages, which dominate its sales.
In 2020, Dunkin’ was purchased for $11.3 billion by Inspire Brands, the Atlanta-based parent company of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.
While Dunkin’ corporate and Inspire Brands did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the Nebraska doughnut shortage highlights the brand’s reliance on consistent supply chains to meet customer expectations.
For now, Nebraskans will have to wait a little longer to pair their coffee with a classic Dunkin’ doughnut.
