The dining room is closed but the drive-thru remains open at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 730 Main Street in Hellertown, Pa. Dunkin’ franchisees operate dozens of stores in the greater Lehigh Valley area.
Like all major retailers and food service providers, Dunkin’ Donuts continues to craft a response to the ongoing COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic that is based on the latest guidance from public health officials.
On Friday, Dunkin’ announced that it will go further in its efforts to fight the spread by doing the following:
- Eliminating all dine-in options: Service options are limted to drive-thru, carry-out, delivery and curbside pick-up at select locations. All restaurant dining rooms and outdoor patios have been closed.
- Encouraging mobile ordering and delivery: Guests are encouraged to order ahead of time with the Dunkin’ app or order Dunkin’ for delivery with Grubhub or other delivery partners to limit in-person contact.
- Establishing health protocols for restaurant employees: Dunkin’ has implemented temporary requirements for its employees to wear disposable gloves and “non-medical masks.” The company said it is encouraging social distancing among employees in partnership with franchisees, who have marked store floors with painter’s tape in six-foot increments.
- Helping to safeguard restaurant employee and guest interactions: Dunkin’ is requiring the temporary installation of front counter Plexiglass barriers at all restaurants that are open for carry-out. It is also recommending that employees use trays to hand orders to customers at drive-thru windows.
- Extra cleaning: Dunkin’ said franchisees have increased the frequency of handwashing and cleaning procedures, including disinfecting high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. Some locations are reducing their hours of operation to allow extra time for deep cleaning and sanitation, the company said. All franchisees and employees must also retake online food safety and hygiene training courses.
- Protecting customers: Dunkin’ said it has temporarily suspended its refillable travel mug program and eliminated stirrers from its condiment stations. Franchisees have placed markings on store floors, spaced six feet apart, where guests can maintain social distancing while waiting in line for carryout.
“As we continue to navigate the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic together, the health and safety of our guests, restaurant employees, and communities we serve remains our top priority,” the company said in its update posted Friday. “As circumstances evolve, you may notice your experience at our restaurants looks a little different. That’s because we and our franchisees are taking enhanced preventative measures at Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide, in accordance with the expert guidance from public health officials, to help protect you and restaurant employees.”
