“America runs on Dunkin'” is the recognizable slogan for the chain coffeehouse and donut shop. Now, Dunkin’ officials are staying committed to keeping people running, even with concerns related to the coronavirus.
William Anderson recently stopped by his local Dunkin’ in Scranton, Pennsylania, for his daily coffee run, only to find a change from when he was here just last week.
“I come in every day, twice a day with my refill. Now, today, they say you can’t get your refill, they got to put it in their cup. Which I understand, seems logical with this virus going around,” he told CNN affiliate WNEP.
Because of public health concerns related to the coronavirus, Dunkin’ employees are currently not refilling your reusable mugs, even the ones sold by Dunkin’ itself. There is now a sign on the front door of every location explaining the policy.
Starbucks also announced last week it is temporarily suspending the use of reusable mugs. There is a statement on Starbucks’ website outlining the other safety steps the company is taking.
Many customers say they like the reusable mugs for environmental reasons, and of course to save money. At Starbucks, employees will still honor the 10 cent discount just by showing the reusable cup, even though they won’t fill it. At Dunkin’, saving money is the main reason Anderson even bought the mug.
“I save 63 cents on a cup, it paid for itself in about three weeks,” he explained.
Dunkin’ is already in the process of replacing all foam cups with sustainable paper ones. That initiative will be complete in every store later this year. Both Dunkin’ and Starbucks officials said the policy of not refilling reusable mugs is only temporary, but there’s no word on how long it may be in effect.