Doughnut shop says it’s ‘fed up,’ revokes its discount for police in Rhode Island

A doughnut shop in Rhode Island said it will no longer offer discounts to police or military personnel, citing frustrations over racism and injustice.

The owners of Allie’s Donuts in Kingstown shared the news in an Instagram story Saturday after seeing a news report about a Providence firefighter who said he was racially profiled by police while in uniform, according to the post.

“This is an example of terrible job performance,” the post said. “If you were an athlete you would be cut from your team. If you were our employee we would fire you immediately. But you are a police officer.”

The shop went on to say that it would be ending its discounts for police and military personnel.

“We’re fed up,” the post said. “Until local police takes action to solve problems with racism & injustice, @alliesdonuts will choose to stand with the people of our great state. We will no longer offer military or police discounts.”

Matt Drescher, third-generation owner of the shop, told WPRI that Allie’s typically offered as much of a discount as they could to customers who visited the store in any uniform, including police officers, military personnel, nurses and doctors, according to the outlet.

He said that most would refuse the discount and pay full price, WPRI reported.

“Hopefully, we will not lose customers over our willingness to speak up,” he told the outlet. “We respect the military for their sacrifice, and their duty. We love every policeman, every fireman, every nurse, every National Guard member, every Naval recruit and officer and all of the men and women in the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army and armed forces.”

On Sunday, the shop again pointed followers to its Instagram stories, where it said that the shop stands by its statement, apologizing to those who serve their communities who may have felt offended or insulted.

“We feel comfortable as a business with such wonderful customers that have respected and adored our products for over 50 years to say that we stand by our statement,” the post said. “It’s time to recognize the voices and stand with our fellow Black and Brown Rhode Islanders, who want to be treated equally...”

The posts were met with mixed responses.

“Not interested,” one user wrote. “Simple math. Cops and military do what you won’t do.”

“You removed a discount from the men and women you call to when you’re in distress or danger,” wrote another. “A discount is a thank you for their service... There may be cracks and flaws and bad people in the system out there but that’s every business.”

“You have decided to take a crap on local officers, military and veterans who have supported your business for years,” wrote a third. “You are painting one profession with a single brush.”

“Thank for you being clear about your support for Black Lives Matter,” wrote a fourth.

“I’m gluten free, I’ve never once gotten a donut at Allie’s before,” wrote another. “But you just earned yourself a customer with this one. I’ll be buying them for all my friends!”

“Thank you for your courage and voice. It’s reassuring to know that SOME have common sense within the state,” another wrote. “I support no matter what”

This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Doughnut shop says it’s ‘fed up,’ revokes its discount for police in Rhode Island."