I know it used to be a pretty hard and fast rule that chain stores were generally not accepted as wayspots. However, I am looking at a Dunkin donuts in my queue right now. It’s not all that unique as far as Dunkin locations go. But it checks every other box other than being significant to the local community and honestly with how much I love coffee I question my own judgement on saying it’s not significant ( joking here ) I am mostly curious how this made it to my queue and are chain establishments now allowed? I have 2 dunkin donuts in town and I could always go for more portals. I am going to downvote on the distinct / important but I hope to see constructive discussion on this.
The rejection criteria lists “A generic business, chain, or franchise that is not locally unique” so this is likely a case of someone not fully knowing the criteria, or not caring and trying to get them into the game.
There are very unique circumstances in which a chain business could be considered “locally unique”, IE being the only restaurant in the larger area, it being the “First establishment in the chain.”, or it having architecture that makes it unique for the chain. These situations are very few and far between.
I’d say you were correct in choosing the “Permanent and Distinct” reason for rejection, as a generic “Dunkin’ Donuts”
1 Like
Have you had a chance to look over this?
The page contains a lot of helpful information besides just on businesses.
Being a chain doesn’t immediately invalidate a business nomination, however it does need to hold significance and be conveyed as such in the nomination.
I’ve actually nominated 2 Starbucks and stand by the eligibility of those locations. I’ve specifically met with friends there almost as frequently as I’ve met at “local” cafés.
I actually disagree with the “Permanent and distinct” rejection. The instructions tied to that are:
Note that I’m not explicitly saying you shouldn’t have rejected it, but I disagree with that as the reasoning. If you must reject, I’d suggest the “Generic business” (which I honestly dislike, too) or
in the appropriate criteria questions at the end of the review.
1 Like
Here’s the direct link to the generic/non-generic business criteria section:
While I would have rejected a Dunkin as a generic business, I don’t think rejecting under Permanent/Distinct hurts. I’d imagine others are rejecting using either one or the other.
1 Like
Right, if there was something very special about a chain such as being the original Dunkin donuts and it was distinctly different from others. I remember at one point seeing a few distinct McDonald’s locations on TV I forgot the specifics but there are a few out there that are very different in their outdoor decoration and styling.
Ahh I might have misunderstood there distinct part. It’s distinct as in being able to recognize it. Not necessarily being distinct onto itself as in it’s a Dunkin which looks just like every other Dunkin.
Understood the reasoning 
and for what it’s worth, the messaging has changed and been misleading in the past.
Why did I forget Generic Business was still a thing?
That’s embarrassing 
Because, we wasted an entire AMA on having it removed and somebody without criteria understanding added it back in 
3 Likes
Against medical advice?
2 Likes
I definitely had a heart attack when it came back.
2 Likes
If you are seriously asking, AMA is for “Ask Me Anything”
The latest ones are linked in News & Announcements