Dunkin’ Donuts closed its location at Valencia College’s West Campus on May 30th. The closure was a “business decision” made by Dunkin’ Donuts, according to Jeffrey Filko, Director of Auxiliary Services at Valencia College.
The Dunkin’ Donuts at Valencia’s West Campus had been serving students and faculty for over 10 years, becoming a popular spot for coffee and donuts between classes.
However, its sudden closure wasn’t a college decision. “It was a one-sided decision. Dunkin’ Donuts felt the location was not making enough profit based on their sales and staffing, so they chose to close it,” Filko said.
For one employee who worked at the location for two years, the news came as a shock.
“I was completely taken aback; it was unexpected,” Jaedon Doyley, a former Dunkin’ Donuts employee said. “I was having a nice, relaxing day off, enjoying a cup of coffee on my patio, when I found out.” Doyley plans to continue working at Dunkin’ Donuts at a different location closer to him.
During their time at Dunkin’ Donuts, Doyley took pride in making drinks and food for customers, often going above and beyond to customize orders. “Customers would say, ‘You make the best drinks!’ That brought me so much joy because I knew I made a positive difference in their day, even if it was just through a cup of coffee,” Doyley said.
“I used to go every day—sometimes twice a day,” Anaheed Mohamed Abdelrazek, a Valencia student, said. Abdelrazek’s go-to order? A classic bagel with cream cheese and a latte. For many like Abdelrazek, Dunkin’ Donuts wasn’t just a convenience—it was a campus essential.
With the cafeteria closing at 2 p.m., Dunkin’ Donuts often became the go-to spot for late afternoon snacks and caffeine boosts. “A lot of students depended on getting food and drinks there after the cafeteria closed,” Abdelrazek said. “I think the school should’ve asked us before making the decision.”
When asked what they’d like to see replace the Dunkin’ Donuts, Abdelrazek suggested “Starbucks or Chick-fil-A.”
According to Filko, a “We Proudly Serve Starbucks” location is set to take over the Dunkin’ Donuts space. While it won’t be a full Starbucks—meaning Starbucks Rewards won’t be accepted—the new café will offer most hot and cold Starbucks drinks, along with breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and other grab-and-go options.
As one chapter closes with the departure of Dunkin’ Donuts, another begins with the arrival of a “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks on campus. While the decision was ultimately out of the college’s hands, it has stirred both disappointment and anticipation among students and staff. Still, the college hopes the new Starbucks will meet those needs and more, bringing a fresh start to a familiar space and offering students a new go-to spot for caffeine and comfort.
