Dunkin’, the global coffee and doughnut brand, is facing a doughnut shortage across locations in Nebraska, New Mexico, and a few other states. Stores in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, Nebraska, as well as multiple outlets in Albuquerque, New Mexico, reported empty shelves where doughnuts are usually displayed.
While some stores managed to offer “Munchkins” (doughnut holes) as a substitute, signs at drive-thru kiosks and on storefronts explained that doughnuts were unavailable due to a manufacturing error. Customers expressed disappointment, including one Omaha resident who sought a doughnut after her shift as a phlebotomist, though many still came for Dunkin’s popular coffee offerings.
The cause of the shortage was attributed to issues with a single supplier, affecting approximately 4% of Dunkin’s U.S. stores, according to Jack D’Amato, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands, Dunkin’s parent company. While some employees cited supply chain disruptions and delivery errors, others mentioned that trucks were arriving without doughnut supplies. The shortage is reportedly a temporary issue, and the company has begun restocking some locations, with hopes that affected stores will have their shelves replenished by next week.
Despite the localized shortages, Dunkin’ locations in other parts of the U.S., such as St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston, Massachusetts, reported no disruption in doughnut availability. Boston, in particular, is a key market for Dunkin’, where the brand has a loyal customer base. Managers at affected stores, following directives from Dunkin’s corporate headquarters, declined to provide detailed explanations about the cause of the issue, though some franchise owners hinted at quality concerns with products received from suppliers.
Dunkin’, originally known as Dunkin’ Donuts until a rebranding in 2018, has shifted its focus toward coffee and beverages, which now dominate its sales. Founded in Massachusetts in 1950, the company has grown to over 13,200 locations worldwide and was acquired in 2020 by Inspire Brands for $11.3 billion. The recent shortage highlights the challenges that even major chains face with supply chain management, particularly when relying on single suppliers for key products like doughnuts.
Franchise owner Bryce Bares, who operates several Dunkin’ locations in Nebraska, confirmed that the shortage resulted from receiving subpar products that he chose not to serve to customers. He stated that the supply issue had been addressed by the partners and assured customers that doughnuts would be back on shelves soon. While the shortage has caused temporary frustration for some patrons, Dunkin’s efforts to maintain product quality and address the issue promptly suggest the company is committed to resolving the problem efficiently.