By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – Amid a morning buzz of anticipation, Sheriff Mike Roberson attended the grand opening of Dunkin’ at Northwood Landing on May 20, 2024. Alongside Roberson, Dunkin’ trainer Jase Scott shared insights into the intricacies of donut crafting. The event brought out early risers and donut enthusiasts.
Early Birds and Free Coffee
The grand opening of Dunkin’ at Northwood Landing started bright and early, with doors officially opening at 6:00 a.m. However, dedicated patrons began lining up much earlier to take advantage of the enticing offer of free coffee for an entire year. Jase, the Dunkin’ trainer, recounted arriving at 3:00 a.m. to find six eager customers already in line. By the time the doors opened, the crowd had swelled to approximately 120 people, all vying for the coveted coupon book that promised a weekly free medium hot or iced coffee for the next 14 months.
Sheriff Roberson’s Role
Sheriff Mike Roberson, known for his community engagement, embraced the playful stereotype of law enforcement’s love for donuts. Dubbing himself the “Donut Inspector” for the day, Roberson mingled with the crowd, sharing laughs and participating in the festivities. “It’s just synergy,” Roberson remarked humorously when asked about the classic combination of law enforcement and donuts.
Chatham Sheriff’s Department Rallies for Special Olympics
Officer Chris Cooper stood outside the newly opened Dunkin’ Donuts, engaging with community members about the Special Olympics. As part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, officers like Cooper play a role in both raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics, ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to compete and shine.
One of the primary objectives of the LETR is to raise funds for the Special Olympics. This year, the fundraising kicked off with a unique and chilly event at Jordan Lake, where participants braved the cold waters in the “Polar Plunge.” Although Cooper admitted he didn’t take the plunge himself, the event successfully brought in significant donations.
“I didn’t plunge this year,” Cooper confessed with a laugh. “But we raised a good amount at Jordan Lake. Now, with the Dunkin’ Donuts event, we’re selling T-shirts and accepting donations to continue our efforts.”
Dunkin’ Donuts has partnered with the LETR, contributing $4,000 to the cause. Patrons who make donations receive an icon to place on a designated vehicle, part of an initiative to “cover the truck” with support.
A Tangible Symbol: The Special Olympics T-Shirt
Each year, the Special Olympics releases a new T-shirt design, showcasing the various law enforcement agencies that contribute to the cause. These shirts are more than just apparel; they are a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of law enforcement officers across the state.
“To get your agency’s name on the back of the shirt, you have to raise at least $7,000,” Cooper explained, proudly pointing to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department’s logo among the top contributors. “Last year, we were in the 40s in terms of ranking. It’s a great motivator to see our name there and strive for higher.”
Behind the Scenes: Training for Perfection
Jase Scott, who has been with Dunkin’ for nine years, was at the forefront of training the new staff at Northwood Landing. His role extends beyond simply teaching the mechanics of making donuts; it involves instilling a culture of excellence and efficiency. “We start by teaching all the different stations; espresso, registers, all that fun stuff. Then, we have dry runs where we simulate being open, ringing in orders, and timing the preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly,” Jase explained.
The Training Process
Over the course of two weeks, Jase trained the team, ensuring they were well-versed in every aspect of Dunkin’s operations. This comprehensive training is crucial for maintaining the high standards Dunkin’ is known for. “We start by teaching all the different stations,” he said. This approach ensures that every staff member is capable of delivering top-notch service and products, from the perfect espresso to the popular donuts.
The Favorites: What’s Hot at Dunkin’
Jase highlighted the current top sellers, noting a particular trend towards iced beverages. “Right now, it’s iced espresso and our iced chocolate that’s really popular. Our iced coffee is also a big hit, and we pride ourselves on having the number one iced coffee in America,” Jase stated proudly. Jase assured me that this popularity is backed by demographic studies that Dunkin’ commissions to understand their customers’ preferences better.
Must-Try Donuts
When it comes to donuts, Dunkin’ offers a wide range to cater to various tastes. Jase mentioned that the vanilla donut and the chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles are among the favorites. “If you’re more of a traditionalist, you might go for something like the old-fashioned donut or my personal favorite, the cinnamon donut,” he said. The diversity in flavors ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether they prefer classic options or more fun, colorful choices.
A Sweet Success
The new establishment has created job opportunities, from baristas to managerial positions, providing employment for many local residents. The grand opening of Dunkin’ at Northwood Landing was a success, marked by good attendance, community engagement, and the engaged operation of a well-trained staff. Sheriff Mike Roberson’s participation added a touch of humor and local charm, reinforcing the event’s community spirit. Jase’s dedication to training and preparation ensured that the opening went as smoothly as possible on opening day. Whether you’re a fan of the classic cinnamon donut or the trendy iced espresso, there’s little doubt that this new Dunkin’ location will become a favorite stop for some in the community.
Watch on YouTube – Sheriff Mike Roberson at Dunkin’ Grand opening at Northwood Landing – 5.20.24
00:14 Discussion on the synergy between law enforcement and donuts.
Interview with Sheriff Robertson and Dunkin’ trainer about the unique combination.
Sheriff Robertson mentions being a donut inspector and having none yet.
00:42 Jase Scott trains employees for two weeks at Dunkin’ Donuts Northwood Landing.
Teaches people more than just eating donuts.
Sleeve art represents family history.
01:07 Jase Scott training new employees at Dunkin’ location
Training process involves teaching different stations like espresso and registers
Week-long training period for new employees at this location
01:36 Jase Scott talks about the popular items at Dunkin’ currently.
Dry runs were conducted to simulate being open, including ringing in orders and timing production.
Top sellers at Dunkin’ right now are iced espresso, vanilla donut, iced chocolate, and ice coffee.
02:06 Jase talks about the successful turnout for Dunkin’ Grand opening event.
Discussed about the demographic study conducted for the event.
Shared the experience of giving away free coffee and the turnout rate.
02:30 Free medium coffee per week for 14 months
Valid until July of next year, seen in Sarah Donaldson’s post
Operating hours from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week
02:57 Discussing the best doughnut and drink options
Debating between traditional vs. fun doughnut preferences with examples
Mention of popular sprinkle donuts and traditional options like old fashioned
03:25 Jase talks about Dunkin’ Donuts Grand Opening
Personal favorite is cinnamon donuts
Jase has been with the company for 9 years