Dunkin’ Donuts Franchises Settle Fake Butter Suits
Twenty-three Dunkin’ Donuts franchise locations in Massachusetts have reached a tentative settlement with a plaintiff who claimed the stores served him “margarine or a butter substitute” on his bagels despite his request for butter. Polanik v. Boston Hill Donuts, LLC, No. 17-84914 (Suffolk Cty. Superior Ct., settlement agreement filed March 24, 2017); Polanik v. CM&R Donuts, Inc., No. 17-84915 (Suffolk Cty. Superior Ct., settlement agreement filed March 24, 2017). In both projected class actions, the plaintiff claimed he paid 25 cents each time he ordered butter and was never told a butter substitute was used instead. A Dunkin’ Donuts spokesperson told The Boston Globe in 2013 that the recommended store procedure was to serve individual whipped butter packets if requested by the customer, but otherwise employees apply “vegetable spread” to bagels or pastries. If the settlement is approved, the plaintiff will receive $500 and up to 1,400 customers may claim free baked goods from specified stores in Massachusetts. The stores will also be required to use only butter for one year.
Issue 630
