Jon Holato

The rivalry between Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks can be compared to that of republicans and democrats. OK, maybe it’s not that serious, but each store has their own cult following consisting of millions around the globe. But which one is actually better? Here is my objective-as-possible analysis according to the following categories: drinks, food, service, and price.

Drinks
In terms of plain ole regular coffee, Starbucks has more of the gourmet flavors while Dunkin Donuts is more of your typical 7-11 or McDonald’s type of coffee taste. Dunkin Donuts will happily customize your regular coffee with milk, sugar and whatever else you ask for; Starbucks prefers to direct you to their condiment bar. Each has specialty drinks consisting of Lattes, Mochas, etc. Here Starbucks takes the edge as they have really pioneered specialty coffee and Dunkin Donuts has copied many of their beverage ideas. Overall I’d say Starbucks wins in the drink category, even though they don’t foo-foo up your drink, the quality of their drinks is superior to Dunkin Donuts.

Food
Starbucks gets all of its food delivered fresh each morning. My best guess is the same occurs for Dunkin Donuts (though some can make their own food). Starbucks does no food preparation, and sells everything “as is.” Dunkin Donuts will prepare your bagel however you want it and put whatever you want on it. Let’s not forget also, donuts! Starbucks sells a few different types of donuts during breakfast hours, but doesn’t even compare to Dunkin Donuts in this respect. Dunkin Donuts easily wins the food category.

Service
I’ve experienced good and bad service at both Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. That being said, I’m going to have to give Starbucks the edge here. At every Starbucks I go to I can expect the same service and atmosphere, as well as a clean and friendly customer environment. I can’t say the same for Dunkin Donuts, there have been ones I’ve walked into then walked right back out. Starbucks wins here.

Price
Starbucks charges close to $5 for a venti (large) size of some of its beverages. Dunkin Donuts, well, does not. Pretty much across the board you will find that Dunkin Donuts prices are cheaper than Starbucks. Dunkin Donuts wins easily here.

So after reviewing the 4 categories they are tied at 2-2, with Starbucks winning drinks and service, and Dunkin Donuts winning food and price. I hadn’t planned for them to turn out in a tie like this, but now that they have, what is the tiebreaker? I’m gonna have to say proximity. I think the ultimate underlying factor that sways people one way or the other is how close the nearest one is. In college I was a Starbucks man as there was one right down the block. However post college I am now a Dunkin Donuts goer as there is one very close to my house and another near my work. So in the end, where you end up going will depend on how far you want to travel.

I have tried to be as objective as possible in this evaluation, trying to leave out any feelings or thoughts as a former Starbucks employee that could have influenced this argument one way or another. I think I have done a pretty good job of that, but by all means let me know if you think I’ve been biased anywhere. Otherwise, I look forward to some comments on your part.