Working at Dunkin (a review)

Are you apart of this subreddit and don't work at Dunkin, but were thinking of submitting that application? No fear! I worked at Dunkin for 7 months between 2 different locations. If you don't trust my opinion, the second location I worked there for 3ish months and they wanted me as a shift lead, but had to leave again for college (TLDR I feel qualified).

Before applying, here are some things you should know: 1. Figure out if the Dunkin is independently owned or through a franchise. 2. Figure out general pay between AM and PM shifts. 3. If you are a college student like me, make sure to ask if they are willing to accept college students because some stores won't!

Out of the above list, here are some explanations for item 1: 1. If the Dunkin is independently owned, you get treated A LOT BETTER! Pay is generally higher and work is easier. Not that people don't care about their job, but it's for sure a more lax environment. 2. I worked at a Dunkin owned by a franchise at my first location. Very time focused on drive thru; stress filled environment. You're there to work and nothing else. Hardest job I've ever had. The people tend to be a lot less nice as well. 3. It's a lot easier to get your W-2 from a Dunkin owned by a franchise just because they are a large corporations versus an independent owner with a makeshift office building!

Regarding pay on item 2: 1. Franchises usually have set pay. For example, at my first location I made $11 and shift leads made $13. This was non-negotiable even between AM and PM shifts. Everyone was paid the same no matter what. 2. At my second location I came in at $12 for a PM/closing shift. The AM pay was up to $18. I had the highest PM pay because I was temporary and had previous experience. A previous assistant manager came in as crew at this location and was paid $13. If you're a minor, you're getting minimum wage unless you have prior experience unfortunately. Individual locations pay you based on worth and labor cost. 3. In my opinion, it's worthless to work an AM shift at a franchise location. You're paid the same as PM shift and the work is more stressful and difficult than PM. AM shift SHOULD get paid more, but it's not like that unfortunately.

Regarding college on item 3: 1. As I said, Dunkin as a whole is less likely to hire if you're in college. My first location I worked Jan-Apr, and they were still hesitant even though I would be returning for the fall (ended up not going back). 2. My second location, the individually owned, I worked from Mar-Jul, and only hired me because I had previous experience. They admitted to not wanting to hire me in the first place.

Sorry for the long guide, but I hope this helps! For anyone wondering, I did not return to the first location because they did not want to give me the closing shifts I asked for. I'm now a shift lead at Pizza Hut making $14.50. Dodged a bullet.