FACT CHECK: Is Dunkinâ Donuts Closing All Locations Over Coronavirus Concerns?
An image shared on Facebook allegedly shows a notice from CEO David Hoffmann announcing the closure of all Dunkinâ Donuts locations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Verdict: False
The company said that it is not closing locations in a statement. The notice being shared on Facebook has been fabricated.
Fact Check:
Some doughnut and coffee lovers might have been alarmed to hear the rumor that Dunkinâ would be shuttering all of its more than 11,300 locations worldwide to help curb the spread of coronavirus. The claim appears to originate with a notice letter that has been making the rounds on social media platforms.
âTo prevent the spread of COVID-19, all Dunkinâ locations will be closed for business starting March 18, 2020 until further notice,â reads the alleged notice. âThank you for your patience and understanding.â
But, according to a Dunkinâ spokesperson, the notice is fake, and the chain has no plans to close its restaurants on March 18. (RELATED: Did Costco Recall Kirkland Toilet Paper Due To Coronavirus Contamination?)
âContrary to rumors, Dunkinâ restaurants remain open to serve our guests at the drive-thru, with carry-out or delivery service,â said the Dunkinâ spokesperson in an email to the Daily Caller News Foundation. âDunkinâ is committed to taking care of our guests and being a place of comfort during this difficult time. We and our franchisees are here to keep our guests running.â
Dunkinâ is one of numerous chains that have pivoted to take-out, drive-through and delivery only to follow the recommendation from public health officials to practice social distancing. Other chains who have adopted these service practices include McDonaldâs, KFC and Chick-fil-A, according to Business Insider.