How Dunkin Donuts got me

My mornings have a basic routine. I stop at the Dunkin near my house and get my morning fix of coffee. Turbo ice, with two shots of espresso, no sugar and a splat of cream. No matter what else changes about me, I always take my coffee the same way.

I have been on a diet since the first of the year, dropping over 50 pounds and 6 clothing sizes. While I have regained a few of those pounds, I have promised myself I would get back on track, moving more and eating less. Which has worked for me so far.

Until today, at Dunkin Donuts.

A recent article in the Boston Globe, asking the question why another donut chain failed in Massachusetts mentioned DD sales more coffee than donuts. Even the newest adds for DD mention their coffee, and other drinks ignoring the donuts for which the store is named. Because, America, or at least this American runs on Dunkin. Coffee, not donuts, but this morning, they got me.

Someone apparently came into work this morning with far to much whimsy for a Tuesday, or made way to much icing. Donuts of several different types and flavors had become canvases, and each donut awarded a personality. Donuts were; smiling, laughing, frowning, sleeping, winking and other wise channeling a Gumby's worth of emotions. Waiting in line for my morning 'fix' as the smell of brewing coffee forced my brain into awareness the personalities on the wire racks caught my eyes, and the eyes of my fellow coffee addicts.

Donuts were being ordered, not just by flavor, but by name; the sleepy chocolate, the frowning jelly, the happy apple. Me, I requested the astonished Boston Creame, asking specifically for the Mr. Bill Boston Creame. I felt quite 'hip', as the teen behind the counter reached directly for the donut I wanted. Although, the pointing may have helped. Or was it just coincidence, 'he' was the only donut in the first row. I may have ruined my diet for the day, but the calories were worth the extra smile I took with me into Boston traffic.