Fred Brown is a creature of habit.
For the past 40 years, the Air Force veteran has left his home in Lynn, Massachusetts and walked about a mile to Dunkin’ on Lewis Street. Inside the shop, employees know his name and start filling his order, a medium hot coffee and a plain stick, before he even has to ask.
On January 5, Fred came into the shop as usual, but this time the employees were waiting for him with far more than his regular order. Store manager Daniella Kraus had learned that it was Fred’s 95th birthday, and she decided to throw their loyal customer a party!
Fred was pleasantly surprised when Cuppy the Dunkin’ mascot greeted him at the door. After giving each other a hug, Daniella showed Fred to his reserved table and gave him his gifts.
In addition to a dozen donuts that had been customized with Fred’s photo, he was given Dunkin’ swag like a new winter hat, travel mug, and balloons. The text on the donuts says, “Happy 95th Birthday Great Uncle Fred!”
Fred was blown away by all of the attention and presents, but when they handed him two sets of 95 gift cards, each worth $5 a piece, he was astonished.
“Can I buy everybody a cup of coffee?” he quipped. Â
Fred was quick to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness, singling out Daniella for the way she takes care of the store and her customers alike.
“This gal [Daniella] is incredible,” he said. “She’s the hardest working manager. Dunkin’ is lucky to have her, and I’m lucky that she knows me.”
“They’ll never top this; this was fantastic,” Fred gushed when the party was over.
What a thoughtful way to honor a loyal customer! Patrons like Fred become more like family in small towns like these, and we’re so glad they’re taking care of him as he edges closer to the big 1-0-0.
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