Dunkin’ Donuts Angus Steak Sandwiches

May 2020: The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s dismissal concluding, among other things, that Dunkin Donuts Angus Steak products contain Angus beef, that one of the definitions of the word “steak” is ground beef prepared and served like steak, and that reasonable consumers would not be misled by the marketing. (Chen v. Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., Case No. 18-3087, 2nd Cir.)

October 2018: The named plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal regarding the September 2018 dismissal order.

September 2018: A federal judge dismissed the complaint concluding that the court lacked jurisdiction and the plaintiffs failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.

December 2017: Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint alleging that the advertising for the sandwiches claims that they are made using “Angus Steak” when, according to the complaint, they do not contain steak (which is an ungrounded beef product) and, instead, are made using a grounded beef product that contains additional ingredients (such as additives, fillers, preservatives, among other things).

June 2017: A false advertising class-action lawsuit was filed against Dunkin’ Donuts for allegedly falsely representing that the Angus Steak and Egg Sandwich and Angus Steak and Egg Snack N’ Go Wrap contain steak when, according to the complaint, the meat in them is a beef patty and does not meet the federal definition of “steak” (which is defined as a slice of meat). (Chen et al v. Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. d/b/a Dunkin’ Donuts, Case No. 17-cv-3808, E.D.N.Y.)