Dunkin' Donuts Just Opened a South LA Location—But There's a Shocking Twist No One Saw Coming!

A recent TikTok video has sparked a conversation about a new Dunkin’ Donuts location in South Los Angeles, where the setup has raised eyebrows and created a stir among local residents. The store, situated at the intersection of Manchester Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, has no indoor seating, requiring customers to order through a drive-thru or a touch-screen terminal. This setup has been met with criticism from a local influencer, who goes by the handle JustanLAgirl.

In her viral video, she describes the situation, stating, “They want our money, but they don’t want us inside.” She highlights the lack of indoor seating, saying, “They done put a Dunkin’ Donuts in the hood — no indoor seating, of course.” The complaints highlight a growing frustration among locals who feel marginalized by businesses that seem to prioritize profit while neglecting community engagement.

In her post, JustanLAgirl also promoted a nearby coffee shop, South LA Cafe, which does allow walk-in customers. “Not only is the coffee better but they actually have indoor seating and it’s beautiful and it’s clean,” she argues. This comparison underscores a lingering sentiment among community members: a desire for spaces that welcome them rather than isolate them.

Despite the video’s humorous tone, the comments section reveals a more serious underlying concern. Users quickly pointed out that the area surrounding the new Dunkin’ has a reputation for being crime-plagued. One commenter noted, “Do you blame them?” while another bluntly stated, “Because it’s dangerous.” These sentiments reflect a harsh reality that many residents face in this neighborhood.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts is located on the border of two LAPD districts — 77th Street and South East LA. According to the most recent police data, the 77th Street Division has logged ten homicides this year, representing roughly 14% of the total 72 citywide murders, despite being a small neighborhood. Robberies in the 77th Street area increased nearly 39% during the most recent four-week period, and aggravated assaults surged by 25%, bucking a citywide trend that has generally seen a decrease in violent crime in Los Angeles. Collectively, these two LAPD divisions account for about 17% of all violent crime in the city.

This situation raises questions about the implications of business practices in areas marked by high crime rates. The drive-thru model adopted by Dunkin’ might reflect a strategic decision to mitigate risks, but it also alienates customers who seek not just food and drink, but a communal space to gather.

The California Post has reached out to Dunkin’ Donuts for comment on the community backlash and the rationale behind their business model in this location. As of now, a response has not been received.

In light of these developments, the conversation about community-centric business practices is more relevant than ever. As businesses like Dunkin’ Donuts expand into areas with complex socio-economic challenges, it becomes essential to consider how their operational choices impact local residents. The desire for a welcoming environment that fosters community interaction is a sentiment many customers share, and as the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Dunkin’ will adapt to better meet the needs of the community it serves.