Dunkin’ Donuts in Hot Water Over Franchisee Discrimination Claims

by Joel N. Kreizman on August 30, 2012

Dunkin’ Donuts is in hot water after several former franchise owners have alleged that it discriminates against minorities. The New Jersey lawsuit contends that the popular coffee chain gives preferential treatment to white owners when it comes to store locations and other business operations.

Dunkin’ Brands runs approximately 6,990 franchises throughout the country, with a strong concentration in the Northeast. While African-Americans own roughly 50 franchises, the majority of them are located in “economically less advantageous areas,” according to the lawsuit. It also states that Dunkin’ doesn’t have any African-American franchisees in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.