By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
Employees of the new Dunkin Donuts served free doughnuts and coffee to friends and family Monday night in preparation for the grand opening at 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Franchise owner Darshy Mehta said loyal customers who have waited more than a year for the Dunkin Donuts to open have said they will line up by 4 a.m.
Monday’s VIP event drew hundreds of people to the doughnut shop on Jake Alexander Boulevard, next to Walgreens.
“I like it,” Scott Gentry said as he bit into a marble frosted doughnut. “The texture is excellent.”
Keisha Davis, 34, landed one of 50 jobs at the restaurant. Hundreds of people applied.
“I feel honored they are giving me a chance,” said Davis, who had been out of work for four months. “I love it. It’s so fun.”
New store manager Frankie Rivera said he went through 32 days of training, including watching videos of other store openings. He said he expects large, excited crowds Wednesday.
“The community has been fantastic,” Mehta said. “We ask for your patience and support as we open.”
Store hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.