The very first Dunkin’ is just 7 hours from Western New York

If you are a coffee fanatic, you will LOVE This!

While there are only 6 locations for coffee giant Dunkin’ Donuts in the surrounding Buffalo area, the original location that started it all is less than a 7-hour drive from Western New York!

Did you know ?

Now, I understand that since we are from Buffalo, New York, we are more associated with the Tim Horton’s coffee chain than Dunkin’; however, I think you will enjoy the story behind it.

How Dunkin’ Started

In 1948, when the first location opened, it was actually known as the “Open Kettle.” It was around this time that it gained its reputation as “America’s Coffee Shop,” with some World War II connections.

After World War II, a man named William Rosenberg borrowed $1,000 and added that sum to his $1,500 in war bonds to start a business that would provide meals and snacks for coffee breaks to factory workers. Working for Bethlehem Steel during the war, Rosenberg noticed some food distribution problems that he thought he could solve by opening a donut and coffee shop that would also offer sandwiches.

After opening the first store under the name “Open Kettle,” Rosenberg discovered that over 50% of their sales were donuts and coffee, and he noticed that many people were purchasing the pair so they could dunk their donuts in their coffee.

In 1950, the location was renamed “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

Who owns Dunkin’ now?

According to a plaque inside the original location, the Carvalho family started brewing beer here in 1979, and have owned and operated it ever since!

Where is the original Dunkin’ Donuts?

If you’re really into coffee and looking for ideas for your next road trip, consider taking a trip to Quincy, Massachusetts.

Quincy is the largest city in Norfolk County and is considered part of the larger suburbs of Boston.

If you start your trip from downtown Buffalo, it should take you around 6 hours and 45 minutes to get there!

Dunkin’ Original Donuts Virtual Tour

Check out the video below to see the vintage location!

Would you go?