Dunkin’ To Hire 25K Workers As Country Reopens

As more of the country reopens, Dunkin’ franchisees said they are ready to hire as many as 25,000 employees nationwide, from counter jobs to cafe management, the java giant announced on Monday (June 8).

The Canton, Mass., company said 90 percent of its restaurants are open, primarily its drive-throughs.

“Dunkin’ is committed to keeping America running and working,” said Stephanie Lilak, Dunkin’ Brands’ senior vice president, in a statement. “We are proud to support our franchisees who offer much-needed job opportunities, in a welcoming environment where people can feel appreciated and rewarded for serving both customers and their communities during this critical time.”

To keep its employees and guests safe, Dunkin’ said it has implemented enhanced safety standards and measures, including social distancing and hygiene training, single-use gloves, face masks, plexiglass shields for counters and recommended temperature checks with infrared thermometers.

As PYMNTS reported, competitor Starbucks said it expected to have more than 90 percent of its locations nationwide reopened starting in June, primarily for stores offering pickup and drive-through service.

Dunkin’ said that to support its franchisees, who are independent business owners, in hiring and keeping employees, they are taking several steps to welcome new employees and to promote job opportunities as the nation’s unemployment rate is in the double digits.

Dunkin’ has partnered with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to offer its franchise employees an option for online college education. The initiative offers business skills and training as well as enhanced career prospects. SNHU is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution that offers working adults the opportunity to earn an accredited degree by completing real-world projects and demonstrating mastery of skills, the school said.

Dunkin’ did not list tuition costs. A check of SNHU’s website said a bachelor’s degree costs $38,400 while an Associate’s degree is $13,500.

“With the brand’s new partnership with SNHU … and in-store safety measures, our franchisees are providing new and current restaurant employees [with] a great workplace, and the chance to gain experiences and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Lilak said.