Liberty's Blog

Good Coffee

I am in Massachusetts this week. some things are different here than in my adopted home in Texas. The weather is colder, the roads are different, and the tastes and appetites are different. They also think a little different up here.

As I sit at my computer in my room, I am sipping on a large cup of coffee, Dunkin' Donuts coffee. While Starbucks' coffee shops are popping up on street corners all over the place, that just isn't happening here. They have Starbucks here, but they aren't all over the place, like they are in Texas or in much the rest of country.

I am not sure of the reasons for the success of Dunkin' Donuts and the apparent failure of Starbucks, but I think it may have to do with attitudes and traditions of the New Englanders themselves. Massachusets was the last state to adopt a "right turn on red light" rule and a seat belt law. They don't like change much here. Dunkin' Donuts has been with New Englanders for most of their lives. Starbucks is the West Coast newcomer. I think the biggest reason is imagery. Starbucks is thought of as an indulgence, Dunkin' Donuts is a staple. Stopping for coffee and a doughnut is a tradition here, especially on a cold winter morning.

Which place do I think is best? The coffee is about the same, and although Dunkin' Donuts has less selection than Starbucks I like Dunkin' Donuts frozen conncoction more. The little Starbucks' pasteries pale in comparison to Dunkin's muffins donuts or apple fritters. Its the service though that makes Dunkin' Donuts the better place. They add the cream and sugar for you, and its an efficient in and out.

posted by Liberty @ 2:20 PM