Latest news with #Dunkin'Donuts
USA Today
7 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
She's working two jobs and filming it for TikTok: Gen Z's economic reality is going viral
Monday through Friday, Cindy Dionicio hits snooze on at least one of her 3:30 a.m. alarms before getting up. She packs a Victoria's Secret tote bag with a straightener, makeup and the office shoes and scrubs she'll need for her dental receptionist job later that day. It's a 15 minute drive to the Dunkin' Donuts where she works the opening shift. Then, she hits 'record.' 'Good morning guys, happy Monday,' she says to her 113,000 followers, car keys clinking in the background as she walks up to the location. 'Come to work with me as a 25-year-old working two jobs plus owning a small cleaning company.' Mondays are always a rough morning 😭🍩🦷 #foryou #foryou #foryoupage #dunkin #dunkindonuts #working2jobs #pov #mom #youngmom #dentaloffice #receptionist #frontdesk #mondaymotivation #morning #coffeelover #grwm #cometoworkwithme #CapCut Gen Z employees are increasingly choosing to take on multiple jobs or side gigs, often driven by economic necessity. Creators like Dionicio are going a step further, posting about their side hustles on TikTok to make additional cash − and connect with other young people in the process. These creators use the social media platform "to validate their lived experience and find solidarity in what can feel like a relentless economic system,' says financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, who authored the workbook 'The Financial Anxiety Solution.' 'I see them as a version of saying, 'This is my reality. I'm tired, I'm doing my best, and I still care about my skincare routine.'' Gen Z, the cohort born between 1997 and 2012, is increasingly anxious about their financial situation. Many are saddled with student loans and entering a slowing U.S. labor market amid skyrocketing costs of living. They say they feel less confident about reaching financial milestones like owning a home. 'We don't want to live at work and that shouldn't be the norm to buy a house or get by,' says 22-year-old Kahvon Frank-Morrell, who works at Walmart and as a custodian. 'I don't think that everyone should have to be required to do two jobs to get ahead or to live a basic life.' Worried about money? Women and Gen Z are the most stressed, new research finds 'A constant fatigue' Frank-Morrell is aiming to save enough to buy a house by 24. He leaves the house at 9 a.m. each morning and at times doesn't get back home until 5 a.m. the next day − sometimes only sleeping between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. following his two shifts of work. 'It feels like a constant fatigue,' Frank-Morrell says. 'But overall, when you see that paycheck, it tends to be worth it.' #2jobs #walmart #savingmoney Toronto-based 26-year-old Jane Esang works two full time jobs as a marketing specialist and call center employee. After her second full-time internship in college, she realized she didn't enjoy working in a corporate environment and started prioritizing ways to retire early. 'It just hit me, I cannot do this for the next 45 years,' Esang says. 'A lot of young people are looking for more flexibility and freedom and independence.' She's worked more than one job for five years and says there are days she goes without moving or seeing the sun. She started experiencing intense headaches in 2022, resulting in multiple doctors appointments and an MRI. It wasn't until her headache immediately went away on a cruise in winter of 2022 that she realized it was stress-related. 'When I did do exercise and did see the sun, I would have to sacrifice my sleep for it,' Esang says. 'My health was severely impacted.' More: Gen Z, millennials concerned about their finances leading to homelessness, new study shows Monetizing a side hustle on TikTok In June of 2023, Frank-Morrell made a TikTok account to post videos like 'Working 2 jobs in an attempt to save $60,000' and 'Day in the life working 2 jobs,' some of which have reached more than 10 million views and can be monetized through TikTok's Creator Rewards Program. 'Get ready with me' and 'Day in the life' formats have become popular styles in the influencer economy, which the consulting firm McKinsey values at more than $21 billion. When the comment sections on users' confession videos are filled with support, it can build a sense of solidarity and peer connection. But the influx in videos can also contribute to unhealthy comparison about one's economic situation, or glamorize an unrealistic work schedule, according to financial therapist Nate Astle. 'Hustle culture has always been a thing, but I think it's been romanticized more because of things like social media,' Astle says. Replying to @v. how I stay active during a 16.5 hour workday (try to… I don't do this most days ngl) #dayinmylife #work2jobs #corporatelife #workfromhome #worklife #workingtwojobs Esang uses her platform to advocate for Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), a movement that prioritizes intense saving and budgeting to retire before the age of 65. She started posting about her lifestyle to fill what she saw as a void of content from young people her age who were anti-work. 'I just needed a platform, an outlet to vent to, and I felt like some people related,' Esang says. More: Alix Earle and the mental health confessions taking over the internet Gen Z increasingly anxious about their financial situation Esang says people her age feel 'jaded' and 'resentful' at the combination of modern work culture and increasing economic instability, leading to nihilism or an anti-career mentality. 'People feel like they're trading in 40 hours a week, but it's no longer able to feed a family, it's no longer able to afford a house,' Esang says. Bryan-Podvin says the videos highlight how some young people are intentionally opting out of higher education and the associated student loan debt by working jobs with manual labor. She pointed out that much of Gen Z came of age watching their families navigate the 2008 recession, and then graduated or went through developmental years during a pandemic. 'Gen Z is starting their financial lives with more debt, fewer social safety nets and higher costs across the board. Where millennials were told a version of, 'just get a degree and you'll be fine,' Gen Z wasn't given that same message,' Bryan-Podvin says. Cost of living is frequently cited as a top financial concern among young people. Nearly a third of Gen Z and millennials worry their finances could lead them to experience homelessness, and they are almost three times more likely than older respondents to feel that way, according to a 2024 survey conducted by Acorns and Opinium Research. Life events like watching a parent lose a job in childhood, experiencing economic instability during a recession, or having a failed business can also contribute to anxiety about finances, according to Astle. "Gen Z is seeing massive wealth inequality. And wealth inequality has always been a thing, but it truly is at a level not seen before in the last 100 years,' Astle says. 'A lot of Gen Z are experiencing the anxiety of… 'I don't actually know if my needs are going to be met.'" If there ever is a time to have a side hustle, 'it's when you're young,' says President of the Kahler Financial Group and financial therapist Rick Kahler. A second job can insulate you from losing a job, help fund a retirement plan, or potentially serve as a creative outlet, according to Kahler and Bryan-Podvin. Building good financial habits and investing early compounds interest over decades, setting one up for retirement. 'If you've come out of college and you're used to the ramen noodle diet, keep that going and, and save that money,' Kahler says. Dionicio, who has more than 113,000 followers, says it's been inspiring to see how many people relate to having two jobs. 'At first I was a little shy with the camera, but then I would see other people post about their daily lives, and I'm like, 'You know what? Let me do mine,' Dionicio said. The positive reception she receives in her comment section encourages her to keep going. 'How do you have the energy for two jobs plus your own business plus content creation AND you're a mom!! Superwoman,' one person commented. 'You go girl!' said another. Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@ and @rachelleighhale on X.
Miami Herald
06-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular coffee chain down to one location, no bankruptcy
When you compete against national chains, your face almost overwhelming odds. Your rivals already have name recognition, and they have much lower cost than you do. They also have expertise when it comes to picking real estate and hiring employees. Basically, simply being big gives you a better cost structure and makes it harder for anyone to compete with you. Related: Iconic pizza chain's franchisees close multiple restaurants Back when Dunkin' Donuts, now just Dunkin, was rapidly expanding in the 2000s, it seemed to have a strategy of opening near the local donut place. It generally did not take away the hard-core local business, but people just passing through had expectations of the brand. If they had time, or did some homework, they may want to visit the local brand. But, most people passing through just want a cup of coffee and something to eat. They assume that Dunkin' or another national brand will do that cheaper and more efficiently than a local brand. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter That's probably true, but the local brand almost certainly had a better doughnut and back then, a much better coffee selection. It didn't matter. The national chain could sort of slowly choke out the local chain.. iIt might take months, it might take years, but it was inevitable. Image source: Shutterstock To compete as a local chain, you need to find a niche that the larger players aren't filling and aren't likely to fill. Just offering a better experience is probably not enough. Lucky Perk, which was once a thriving chain, leaned into its being local. "Locally owned and operated, Lucky Perk is the perfect study spot, meeting location or lobby to catch up with loved ones. Our baristas are trained and ready to craft you a delicious specialized drinks, or a popular signature or seasonal special. Grab a pastry while you're in and enjoy an Idaho Original company and winner of the Best of Meridian business competition," it shared on its website. The problem is that being local isn't really a competitive moat, Yes, some customers will support that, but many will just as easily go to Starbucks it it's convenient. Retail bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Lucky Perk, which opened in 2017, grew into a six location regional powerhouse, but it has quickly shrunk back to a single location. In May, the chain had a liquidation sale at its Silverstone location, but stressed that while five of its six stores had close, it would still be open on Cherry Lane and Linder. The United Stats keeps drinking more coffee and adding cafes/coffeehouses "The value of the United States coffee shop market grew 8% to $49.5 billion over the past year, resulting in a 4% increase in the market's pre-pandemic value, according to the newly released Project Café USA 2024," Daily Coffee News reported. "The annual report produced by the Allegra Group's World Coffee Portal also said that the number of U.S. coffee shops has for the first time surpassed 40,000, which is approximately 7% above pre-pandemic levels." The problem for local and regional operators is that most of the growth came from larger chains. Starbucks, for example, added 494 net new U.S. stores in the past 12 months), Dunkin' (172 net new), Dutch Bros (164 net new) and Scooter's Coffee (224 net new). Related: Popular pizza dining chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again It's a challenge for smaller players when Starbucks has 40% of the total market and a number of smaller chains are growing quickly. That's not the death of the local coffeehouse, but operating more than one store, unless you grow very quickly, has become a very challenging model. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
UPI
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Sabrina Carpenter works hotline in ad for Dunkin' Donuts collab
June 25 (UPI) -- Sabrina Carpenter is collaborating with Dunkin' Donuts on a seasonal drink. In an ad released Wednesday, the "Espresso" singer is seen working the "Dunkin' Daydream Hotline." "I think I know what you're really craving," she tells a caller, while sitting in a pink cubicle, wearing a pink suit. "A Strawberry Daydream Refresher." The "nostalgic" drink features oat milk, cold foam and "sweet strawberry flavor," according to a press release. This is Carpenter's second collaboration with Dunkin, following her Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso in 2024. The coffee chain will also offer various frozen coffees with such ice cram flavors as cookie dough or butter pecan, and a braided apple pie bakery treat. Sabrina Carpenter turns 26: a look back
Perth Now
20-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Trump's granddaughter works drive-thru at donut shop
First there was Donald at McDonald's, and now his teenage granddaughter Kai Trump has tried her hand as an honorary fast food worker by manning the drive-thru at her local Dunkin' Donuts. The 18-year-old, whose cumulative social media following pushes six million, ventured to her local doughnut store to taste-test menu items, and take some orders. All in the name of content, of course. The approachable youngster shared a TikTok of herself learning to use the cash register and greeting customers. 'Hi, how are you? Just a medium iced coffee... perfect,' she says in the clip, greeting a customer at the drive-thru while dressed in a pink tank top and orange skirt to match the shop's branding. She was joined at the venue buy her younger brother Tristan, and best friend Emma. While some fans of the teen were supportive of her attempt to connect with the general population, others joked her financial safety net was far from relatable. 'Love Her!!! ♥️Future President,' one said. Another quipped, 'Kai works for $12 an hour while her bank account has 7 figures at least 😂😂😂'. The name Trump has long been associated with hotels and golf courses, but during the US president's race to return the Oval Office last year, he ventured into a Philadelphia McDonald's to trump his rival Kamala Harris who claimed to have once enjoyed employment at the global chain. 'I love McDonald's,' Trump said. 'I like to see good jobs, and I think it's inappropriate when somebody puts down all over the place that she worked at McDonald's.' President Donald Trump works behind the counter making french fries during a visit to McDonald's restaurant on October 20, 2024 in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Credit: Pool / Getty Images Donning an apron, the presidential candidate greeted drive-thru customers and scooped fries — proudly exclaiming each product 'never touches the human hand'. According to Politico, Trump would wait in his limousine during his first presidential tenure while an aide would run into the fast food chain to collect Egg McMuffins in the morning, or two Quarter pounders and a large fries later in the day. His granddaughter regularly posts about her consumption adventures, although much of her content is centred on her burgeoning golf career. Kai is the daughter of Donald Trump jr and Vanessa Trump — who are no longer married — with her mother confirming earlier this year she had begun dating golf icon Tiger Woods.
Eater
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Henry Cavill Is My Unexpected Meat Muse of the Summer
Happy Pride! We have a new candidate for supreme grill season himbo, courtesy of Henry Cavill. The actor recently posted a nine-photo Instagram dump of ribeye steak and pasta that he seemingly cooked, and it swiftly made the rounds in Eater's Slack channels for its childlike candor. Feast your eyes: I don't know anything about Cavill aside from the fact he has played Superman and the Witcher, but I was tickled by his wholesome post, appropriately hashtagged '#Foooooood' and '#1MillionGarlics.' This, to me, is peak ooga booga himbo-maxxing (read: positive). I am confident that the first slide of Cavill with his tongs is the first thing you see when God welcomes you into His Kingdom. 'Today we have two 35-day-aged Galician Rib Eyes,' Cavill writes in the caption, 'Galician beef is, in my opinion, the best in the world! Incredibly deep, beefy flavour. But I digress, we also have an olive fed Wagyu tenderloin which has a really interesting flavour profile.' The actor continues on to explain why he dry brined the steaks overnight, and paired the steaks with garlic confit butter sauce linguine. 'Which is a recipe I found online,' Cavill writes. 'It sounds fancy but it's just roast garlic blended with butter, rolled into a snazzy little sausage, cooled in the fridge, and then whisked in a pan with pasta water!' The responses in the post's comments were overwhelmingly positive, painting Cavill as quite the snazzy little sausage himself. 'Conservatives need to stop being concerned about drag queens turning their kids gay and start being real concerned about Henry Cavil turning their husbands gay,' one person opined, while another wrote, 'You're like a big, sweet, strong gummy bear to me.' At a time when social media feels tired and overly branded — 'in recession,' according to some trend trackers — Cavill has served us a social media White Whale on a silver platter (with garlic confit): authenticity. The desperate Instagram dump, it is not. This is a celebration — a symphony! — of beef, a post that scratches the 'Celebrities! They're Just Like Us!' itch of Us Weekly yore that I yearn to feel à la Ben Affleck ripping cigs with his Dunkin' Donuts. Especially since the majority of today's celebrities are posting online about how they're very much not like us; one rented an island during COVID-19-stricken 2020 to 'pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time'; more recently, a pop star recreationally went to Space and an influencer mouthed the words 'let them eat cake' at the Met Gala, where a ticket costs $75,000 a head. So, yes, I will take Mr. Cavill's giddy carousel of barbecue fare, because it looks like the kind of photo compilation I would get from one of my Midwestern aunties. Perhaps it's only natural for us to crave the unfettered spillage of a celebrity's personal life. I'm not immune from the charms of feeding my parasocial celebrity relationships, although the only deaths that made me cry were Joan Didion and Anna Nicole Smith. But now that I, the casual social media scroller, know that Cavill loves to cook meat. I don't exactly know what to do with this information. Maybe I'll buy a pair of tongs the size of a premature baby. Maybe I'll order some steaks from Snake River Farms. The possibilities are endless. Whether or not Cavill's Instagram carousel was, in fact, posted in as nonchalant a manner as it seems is really no business of mine; do we think that Martha Stewart, queen Instagram, is uncalculated in her content? Maybe. She can purportedly function on only three hours of sleep a night. The point is, fact-checking the 'authenticity' of Cavill or anyone else in this parasocial and harmless of a context would be a futile vision quest. After all, to paraphrase the wise words of Trixie Mattel, if a group of people believes something is real, and that makes them live their life differently, it might as well be as real as anything. See More:
