Summary

• Dunkin Donuts started with a simple idea - to provide cheap coffee and snacks to fill a need in the market.
• The original Dunkin Donuts store in Quincy, Massachusetts still stands today, preserving its retro interior and serving as a tribute to the brand's history.
• Dunkin Donuts is not just known for its coffee and donuts, but also for its charitable endeavors and unique seasonal and regional offerings. It is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States.

The story of the first Dunkin' Donuts (now known as just Dunkin') was inspired and came from the most basic human need: Coffee and pastries. Just kidding, obviously, that need is food and water, but these are two important things regarding non-survival items. The location of the first Dunkin' Donuts is also something that surprises most people. At the same time, many think it would have been built in a place such as New York City or another major hub known for its hustle and bustle. It was created in Massachusetts. Although they may not have the best coffee beans in the world, Dunkin is cheap, tasty, and accessible.

Quincy is known for being the birthplace of two US presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, and John Hancock's birthplace. The town was also named for the Quincy family, thus beginning its historic reign in Massachusetts. Flash forward many years during World War II. William Rosenburg, a shipyard worker, was the brainchild behind the idea for a place like Dunkin' Donuts.

UPDATE: 2023/11/21 18:05 EST BY NOAH STAATS

America Runs On Dunkin' (Still)

This article has been refreshed with new information on just how popular Dunkin Donuts has become over the years, as well as expanded talking points on previous points. Dunkin' is one of the world's most recognizable coffee and donut chains, and we don't see this slowing down anytime soon.

Filling A Need

Upon realizing there weren't many places for Rosenburg and his friends to stop for a quick bite and some coffee in the area, he used $1,500 to start up Industrial Luncheon Services. What many would consider one of the earliest food trucks, this service was responsible for selling sandwiches, coffee, donuts, and snacks from the truck that arrived daily. This idea to fill a need spawned the idea for a specific food retail endeavor, following after Rosenburg realized that half of all sales came from donuts and coffee.

Armed with this new information, Rosenburg decided to open a new establishment that would sell only donuts and coffee, and he named this 'Open Kettle.' What no one knew at the time was that this would eventually become the foundation and groundwork for the original Dunkin' Donuts. There, donuts were sold for only ten cents, and coffee was sold for five cents, prices that couldn't even be imagined today. However, the name 'Dunkin' Donuts' didn't come into play until Rosenburg realized what his customers were doing: Dunking donuts into their coffee. Thus, Dunkin' Donuts was officially born in 1950.

• How it started: Dunkin Donuts began with one man, $1,500, and a need for cheap coffee and snacks.

Related: A Guide To The Weirdest Donuts In The United States

The Original Quincy Dunkin' Donuts Today

Yes - the original Dunkin' Donuts is still open and just as popular today. However, many might not recognize its original exterior, which hasn't changed much over the last 70 years. For the locals, this museum is so much more than a one-stop shop for coffee; it's a tribute to one of the most well-known coffee shops across US cities like Portland, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, and in the world and holds somewhat of a museum-type significance in the small town of Quincy. To attest to that fact are photos showing off the original Dunkin' Donuts in all of its black and white vintage glory, as well as a plaque that tells the story of the birthplace of Dunkin'.

The interior of the Dunkin' Donuts is also a call to the retro style of the original store, featuring classic stools in the original Dunkin' colors. The tables are also in fun donut shapes, only adding to the fun and nostalgia that is America's best coffee. The chain now sells roughly two billion cups of coffee annually, equal to about 60 cups going out the door every second. While coffee has always been a staple, something that wasn't always with Dunkin' from the start was its famous Munchkins. These deliciously cute donut holes only came along in 1973 after realizing there could be a way to reserve the dough left over from the donuts and turn them into something fun and tasty. Thus, Dunkin's' signature Munchkins were born and continue to be a fan favorite.

• The OG Dunkin: Although pink and orange rule Dunkin's brand presently, the original location boasts a retro interior, much like its creator would have liked.

Donuts Make The Business Shine

Since Dunkin' is an international chain as well, it's not uncommon to see each country putting its own unique twist on the donuts sold. These vary from location to location and usually incorporate the region's local cuisine and beloved ingredients. That makes for some interesting combinations, to say the least, but it also adds a spark and a streak of originality that many chains don't offer. Dunkin' also creates unique donuts inspired by world events as well as holidays, with their classic Halloween treats and Valentine's Day additions, and even donuts devoted to sports teams. Their pastries also take on a seasonal flavor as different muffins and bagels are rolled out according to the time of the year. Moreover, Dunkin Donuts is also charitable, often supporting animals, children, and impoverished American citizens.

Dunkin Is The Largest Coffee And Donuts Brand In The United States

With over 13,200 restaurants in 40 global markets, Dunkin Donuts dominates in the USA and much further. Because this donut-coffee combo offers something for everyone, Dunkin has been able to perfect its sweets, treats, and even savory meal items over the years.

Most notably, Dunkin Donuts is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, hence why it can test new foods and recipes from a large network of chefs, suppliers, and creatives. Moreover, celebrity endorsements help Dunkin on a regular basis, with Ice Spice, JLo, Ben Affleck, and even Snoop Dogg signing onto the brand for commercials.

Unlike Starbucks, which may focus more on coffee and blended drinks, Dunkin Donuts is a household name due to its delicious donuts, Munchkins, drinks, and food. It's projected for the Dunkin Donuts empire to continue growing into the next decade, with no sign of slowing.

• Dunkin is a global brand: With 13,200 stores and counting, Dunkin continues to be a US and global superstar.