Doughboy Donuts is a South Boston staple that’s been an institution in the neighborhood for over 40 years, open 24/7 for a decade now - but not in 2020.
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Manager Richie Fandel says drunk people are the reason they’re temporarily closing shop for the first time in a while. Fandel, whose brother owns the shop, says they’re better off without having to deal with the hoards of intoxicated and often unruly people who stop by after the drinking munchies kick in looking for a sweet, carb-filled treat.
“We’re too old to put up with the crap anymore," said Fandel. “Just so many people that come in that are drunks, they are trying to fight the people behind the counter...it’s just not worth the hassle."
This year, since St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday, the parade will be held the Sunday before, March 15. A sign inside the shop announcing the closure for parade day says, “Every year it gets worse with all the drunks who get verbally abusive to my help.”
Loyal customers say they understand why Doughboy Donuts would have to take such a measure.
“I think it’s a good thing because there’s a lot of unruly people out there," said Russ Christopher, a customer.
While Fandel acknowledges not all who come through their shop are drunk and causing problems, those who do are enough to have prompted them to make the decision they did.
“Yeah it’s crazy I bet they just don’t want all these drunk people to come in," said Brooke Harrington, a customer.
The announcement apologizes for the closure, but maintains it’s the right thing to do, saying, “I am sorry if it’s an inconvenience, but I’m getting old and I’ve had my fill of this day.”
Doughboy Donuts will be closed from 10 p.m. on March 14th through 10 p.m. on March 15th.
“You know what let’s close the doors, let’s get it over with and once all the drunk people leave, we’ll reopen," said Fandel.
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