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Muslim Donut Franchisee Fights Pork

Owner told to serve breakfast sandwiches or lose stores

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 1, 2007 4:49 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The owner of two Chicago-area Dunkin' Donuts is locked in a legal dispute with the company over conflicts between his religious beliefs and his breakfast menu, the Chicago Tribune reports. A franchisee since 1979, Walid Elkhatib has never served pork products; it wasn't until 2002 that Dunkin' Donuts insisted he toe the line or lose stores.

Not an actual Dunkin' Donuts employee, Elkhatib could not sue for religious discrimination and instead alleged racial bias. Counters the company: "A Dunkin' Donuts franchisee can no more refuse to sell breakfast sandwiches based on the Muslim faith, or Arab ancestry, than a McDonald's franchisee can refuse to sell hamburgers because they are Hindu or Indian."

What is life without dignity and your beliefs? said Elkhatib, who's status as a non-employee severely weakens his discrimination case against the pastry giant.
"What is life without dignity and your beliefs?" said Elkhatib, who's status as a non-employee severely weakens his discrimination case against the pastry giant.   ((c) Jacob B tter)
A Dunkin' Donuts employee engages in a far more bizarre religious ritual as captured by this customer's cameraphone.
A Dunkin' Donuts employee engages in a far more bizarre religious ritual as captured by this customer's cameraphone.   ((c) Nucho)
Patrons enjoy this Dunkin' Donuts location in Lebanon, whose menu brings American favorites to the region, while reflecting the tastes of local culture.
Patrons enjoy this Dunkin' Donuts location in Lebanon, whose menu brings American favorites to the region, while reflecting the tastes of local culture.   (Dunkin' Donuts, Official Press Kit)
Elkhatib bought his first Dunkin' Donuts franchise five years before the controversial sandwiches were introduced. That's why I bought a Dunkin' Donuts, because I never had to handle pork or alcohol.
Elkhatib bought his first Dunkin' Donuts franchise five years before the controversial sandwiches were introduced. "That's why I bought a Dunkin' Donuts, because I never had to handle pork or alcohol".   (Getty Images)
Elkhatib's religious right not to handle products such as Dunkin's Supreme Omelet Sandwich with Bacon have kept him tied up in a five year legal battle.
Elkhatib's religious right not to handle products such as Dunkin's "Supreme Omelet Sandwich with Bacon" have kept him tied up in a five year legal battle.   (Dunkin' Donuts official press kit.)
Exceptions to every rule. This unidentified Dunkin' Donuts franchise advertises Kosher-friendly dining.
Exceptions to every rule. This unidentified Dunkin' Donuts franchise advertises Kosher-friendly dining.   ((c) Maulleigh)
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food • Islam • religion • discrimination • franchise • Muslim • lawsuit • Arabs • Dunkin' Donuts • Walid Elkhatib • donut • breakfast sandwiches • pork

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