Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
A Dunkin Donuts Sign Asked Customers To Report Workers 'Shouting' In Foreign Languages
The sign, posted by a general manager, offered a free pastry and coffee to those who called.
Was this Maryland Dunkin Donuts trying to avoid a viral rant situation like that one NYC deli — or encourage discrimination against their own employees?
A sign posted at a Dunkin Donuts restaurant on West 41st Street in Baltimore encouraged customers to report employees for “shouting in a language other than English” in exchange for a free coffee and pastry. The sign appeared to be posted and approved by a general manager and began making the rounds on social media after Gillian Morley, a news producer at NBC affiliate WBAL-TV 11 News in Baltimore, spotted it on Monday morning and shared a photo of it via Twitter.
“If you hear any of our staff shouting in a language other than English, please call 443-415-7775 immediately with the name of the employee to receive a coupon for free coffee and a pastry,” the sign read in full.
The sign sparked outrage on social media, with some pointing out that America does not have an official language while others demanded the manager be fired.
The man who answered a call to the number listed told 11 News that he is no longer a general manager of that particular store and that the sign is old. He did admit to putting up a similar sign in the past after customers complained.
Dunkin Donuts responded to the backlash in a statement to WBAL-TV on Monday, explaining that the general manager made the decision to post the sign “based on her own personal judgment,” and it has since been removed by the franchise owner.
“Dunkin’ Donuts and our franchisees share the goal of creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for all guests,” the statement reads. “The franchise owner has informed us that the sign was posted by their general manager based on her own personal judgment to ensure those standards are being met. While her intent was to address a customer service and satisfaction issue, the franchisee determined her approach was inappropriate and confirmed the sign has been removed.”
The sign was no longer on display as of 11:45 a.m. on Monday morning, the Baltimore Sun reports.
[Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images]
