Nebraska Dunkin' locations are facing a temporary doughnut shortage, leaving customers without their favorite pastries. Stores in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island reported empty doughnut displays Thursday and Friday, citing a "manufacturing error." While some locations offered Munchkins (doughnut holes) as a substitute, the widespread absence of doughnuts has disappointed regulars.
The shortage appears localized to Nebraska, as locations in other regions, including Boston, remained unaffected. A manager in west Omaha, citing corporate directives, declined to elaborate on the cause, though she described the issue as nationwide. This contrasts with reports from franchise owner Bryce Bares, who told the Omaha World-Herald that quality control issues with certain supplies were to blame. Bares assured the newspaper that the supplier issues have been resolved, and doughnuts should soon return to Nebraska locations.
Dunkin', a major coffee and doughnut chain with over 13,200 restaurants, dropped the "Donuts" part of its name in 2018 as part of a rebranding strategy, focusing on its coffee business. Despite the temporary shortage, the company's parent company, Inspire Brands, and the franchise owner in Nebraska, have yet to provide further details or comment. Customers and observers alike await the reinstatement of doughnuts to the company's offerings.
