Customers at Dunkin’ Donuts in Nebraska and New Mexico face a surprising problem: the chain, formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts until 2018, is short on its signature items.
According to an independent report, the reason for this shortage remains unclear. Stores in cities such as Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island have posted signs on their doors and drive-thru kiosks explaining that doughnuts are unavailable due to a “manufacturing error.” When pressed for details about this error, a manager at a West Omaha Dunkin’ location stated that she could not disclose more information, following directives from the company’s headquarters. However, she confirmed that this doughnut shortage is affecting locations nationwide.
This is not the first time Dunkin’ has experienced supply issues; a similar situation occurred in 2021. However, the current shortage appears more widespread, with other states reporting a lack of doughnuts.
Select Dunkin’ Locations in the U.S. Are Facing a Mysterious Doughnut Shortage: ‘Tragic!’ https://t.co/UFwtMAsoPT
— People (@people) January 12, 2025The peculiar situation has sparked considerable reaction online. Some social media users were surprised to learn that Dunkin’ no longer makes doughnuts in-store, a departure from its traditional practice. Others speculated about possible reasons behind the shortage. One user suggested, “That’s not a ‘shortage.’ That’s a ‘none of the products made it out into the market, so we can technically do a withdrawal and not a formal recall’ level recall. I’d bet good money there was something seriously wrong with a lot of dough shipped to the affected stores.”
Several Dunkin' locations across the nation had empty doughnut cases at the end of last week. The stores put up signs informing customers that no doughnuts were available "due to a manufacturing error."https://t.co/xmygBYeSs7
— KSL (@KSLcom) January 12, 2025Dunkin’, a major player in the global coffee and doughnut industry, operates over 13,200 restaurants worldwide. Originally founded in Massachusetts in 1950, the company was acquired in 2020 by Atlanta-based private equity firm Inspire Brands for $11.3 billion, which also owns Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.
