It’s the age-old question: Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? The people have spoken and Dunkin Donuts is coming out on top.
Recently, the news released that Starbucks profits have taken a dive, while those of Dunkin Donuts have remained steady. I’m sure that the economy and health awareness are partially to blame, but I think it might go deeper than these issues. I think it has to do more with character. A closer look at the characters of Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts clearly reveals more about each franchise’s customer, thus explaining why Dunkin Donuts is taking the lead.
Let’s begin with Starbucks. In a word, Starbucks is elitist. Its high prices, snobby baristas, and menus in another language have the same goal: to make Starbucks customers feel better than other people. Who needs to order a venti mocha soy latte with a shot of espresso to feel cooler? Maybe drinking coffee was a “cool factor” for beatniks in the sixties, but I think we can find better ways to stand out from others. The thing that really irks me is the whole ordering in Italian thing. Nothing illustrates this idea better than the old Dunkin Donuts commercial that made fun of Starbucks sizes.
On the other hand, we have Dunkin Donuts. Whether you call it Dunkin Donuts, Dunks, Dunkins, or Double D, you know the awesomeness that is anything sold there. The establishment has always been amazing, but since it has increased its offerings of food, amazing has turned to out-of-this-world. Not only does the variety of food options trump those of Starbucks, but the beverages are much better as well, if not in taste, then at least in humility.
Dunkin Donuts is the coffee franchise for the every-man. Nothing is simpler than walking into a Dunkin Donuts (or driving through the drive-thru) and ordering a coffee (or tea, or latte, or egg sandwich, etc.). Sure, the coffee is simpler and cheaper. Doesn’t that make it better, though? I can enjoy a $2 iced tea more than a coffee that I can’t pronounce that was closer to $5. The attractive essence of Dunkins comes from its simplicity. Who doesn’t love hash browns? Who doesn’t love microwavable egg sandwiches? Who doesn’t love bagels? Who can’t order a small, medium, or large? My youngest brother could have walked into a Dunkin Donuts at the age of nine and easily found something he wanted, ordered, paid, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Would a nine year old be able to do the same at a Starbucks?
Beyond the prices, the language, and the menu, the coffee establishments differ in environments. Walk into a Dunkin Donuts and you automatically feel warm and fuzzy from the subtle pink and orange hues and bubble letters. Walk into a Starbucks and you feel suffocated by its stuffy, snobby surroundings. No thank you.
Essentially, Starbucks is just too good for everyone. Who wants to spend their money in a store that is so elitist? I sure don’t. Give me Dunkin Donuts any day. I hereby give my full support to Dunks in this epic battle of coffee sales. Good luck!
