A new Dunkin’ Donuts in South Los Angeles is stirring up some controversy. To order your favorite doughnuts and coffee, you can only do so through drive-thru or touch screens. There’s no indoor seating, which has raised eyebrows among locals.
One TikTok user, known as JustanLAgirl, shared her thoughts in a viral video. She pointed out the irony: “They want our money, but they don’t want us inside.” As she noted, the location near Manchester Boulevard and South Figueroa feels out of touch with the community.
In her video, she compared the new Dunkin’ to a nearby café, South LA Cafe, where customers can walk in, sit down, and enjoy a cozier experience. “Not only is the coffee better,” she said, praising the café’s inviting atmosphere, “but they actually have indoor seating, and it’s clean.”
This setup at Dunkin’ reflects growing trends in fast-food design, where many chains opt for drive-thru only service models in urban areas. According to recent industry research, about 70% of fast-food sales in the U.S. come from drive-thrus, especially in neighborhoods with safety concerns. Safety is at the forefront of this discussion as the Dunkin’ is located in an area grappling with higher crime rates.
Recent LAPD data shows that the 77th Street Division, where the Dunkin’ operates, has recorded ten homicides just this year, accounting for about 14% of the city’s total murders. Robberies in the area surged nearly 39% recently, while aggravated assaults climbed by 25%. This data highlights why the business might prefer minimizing indoor traffic.
Despite its great reputation, customer reactions on social media have highlighted the area’s struggles. Comments on JustanLAgirl’s video reflect a mix of understanding and frustration. One user noted, “Do you blame them?” while another simply stated, “Because it’s dangerous.”
The ongoing discussions about the Dunkin’ setup showcase a tension between community needs and corporate safety concerns. It raises questions about how businesses can better engage with the communities they serve, especially in neighborhoods facing significant social challenges.
As Dunkin’ continues expanding, it will be interesting to see how they adapt their approach to better fit local dynamics.
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South Figueroa Street, Dunkin’ Donuts, South Los Angeles, TikTok, 77th Street, indoor seating, California Post
