News

Actions

Dunkin Donuts workers in the hole, need their dough

Posted at 7:45 PM, Sep 30, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-01 07:04:12-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--Four local Dunkin Donuts shops closed on Sept. 1 in the Richmond area.

In addition to the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins store at 11 S. Nansemond St. in Carytown, the other closed shops include the Dunkin Donuts at 9225 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville, 4417 W. Hundred Road in Chester, and 11556 Busy St. just off Midlothian Turnpike.

Kyle McDonald, a former shift manager at the Carytown shop, is still upset that he hasn’t received the past paychecks from his job.

"When you go to work you expect to get paid " McDonald said.

He said the shops shut down without warning. Customers, unaware that it’s closed, still stop by and turn away in disbelief when they see the closed sign on the door.

McDonald said days turned into weeks and many of the nearly 50 workers are scraping to get by.

“I was lucky because I had a little bit of savings, but I  know some coworkers have been evicted and others are expecting to soon be evicted. At this point, we’re waiting on two checks” McDonald added.

For him, that’s about $1,000 dollars that he’s not sure he’ll ever see again.  McDonald believes it’s because of the legal mess surrounding the closings.

Federal court documents show Dunkin Donuts corporation is suing the owners of ten franchises in Central Virginia.  According to the lawsuit, CDG Virginia--which was affiliated with each location--didn’t pay mandatory franchising fees and fell behind on lease payments.

"A lot of people don't know how soon they can get their money or find another job. I just think  a lot of people are just trying to see if they can get those final two paychecks" McDonald explained.

CBS 6 News contacted attorneys for CDG Virginia for a statement and to see how long McDonald and others will have to wait to recoup their money. We are still waiting on a return phone call.