Despite Ordering Shutdown, Dunkin' Donuts Stayed Open "At Cops' Request"

It was clear amidst the chaos Friday which was the hometown coffee chain.

On block after block of the Boston’s Financial District and Downtown Crossing, Starbucks shops went dark as the city locked down, spurred by a manhunt for the second marathon bombing suspect. Dunkin’ Donuts stayed open.

Law enforcement asked the chain to keep some restaurants open in locked-down communities to provide hot coffee and food to police and other emergency workers, including in Watertown, the focus of the search for the bombing suspect. Dunkin’ is providing its products to them for free.

“At the direction of authorities, select Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Boston area are open to take care of needs of law enforcement and first responders,” spokeswoman Lindsay Harrington explained via email. “We are encouraging our guests to state home today and abide by the lockdown, per the Governor’s recommendation.”

[...]Starbucks, meanwhile, shuttered 64 stores once the city went into lockdown.

“When that lockdown went into effect, all of the stores were closed,” said Starbucks spokeswoman Jaime Riley. “It was strongly advised that partners and customers who were in the stores remain in the stores.”