Dunkin’ fires employees after refusing off-duty police officer wearing a ‘blue line’ hat

DES MOINES, Iowa — Two Dunkin’ employees are out of a job after refusing to serve a Des Moines, Iowa police sergeant.

Sgt. Paul Parizek was out of uniform and wearing a ‘blue line’ hat when he approached the counter at a Dunkin’ Donuts location in Des Moines. The employee behind the counter told Parizek that she would not serve him.

Parizek, who was later interviewed on a local radio show, “Morning Rush”, said he is a regular at the store and is known to them as a police officer.

Parizek, who was wearing a mask at the store, said he was shocked when a woman whom he had not seen before told him to leave.

“I said, ‘Are you serious?’ And she just kinda stared at me and I said, ‘What’s going on?’ She said, ‘We’re not gonna serve you today and you need to leave,’” Parizek told KXNO.

He asked her why he needed to leave and he said the woman didn’t reply and looked at his hat instead. Parizek said he complied with the employee’s demand and left the store.

Parizek said that he doesn’t drink coffee from that Dunkin’ Donuts location but instead often goes there to buy food and drinks for friends. Despite being kicked out of the store, he said in the interview he didn’t want to boycott the franchise, but said he was interested in getting an explanation for that employee’s actions.

He also said he didn’t want anyone to lose their jobs, according to KCCI.

Parizek was eventually contacted by Dunkin’ Donuts and it said it was an isolated incident involving two employees.

Dunkin’ Donuts later sent a statement to KCCI indicating that the employees involved were terminated.

We are aware of the incident that took place at the Dunkin’ restaurant, located at 1220 E 14th Street in Des Moines, IA. The employees’ behavior is not consistent with Dunkin’s goal of creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all our of guests. Additionally, Dunkin’ respects the efforts of our police force as they work to maintain a safe community for all of us. The franchise owner, who independently owns and operates this restaurant, informs us that the two individuals responsible have been terminated. The franchise owner has also connected with the police officer to apologize for the experience.

—  Dunkin' Donuts statement released to KCCI

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