It was...essentially like the millions of other Dunkin locations out there. And yeah, I mostly think current Dunkin products to be of ho-hum, mass-produced-packaging quality that can't even compare to a far more delicious franchise.
Yet, the modest shop along the Southern Artery is a landmark that birthed the breakfast behemoth that dominates the East Coast and spots in dozens of countries around the world. Its menu has dressed the quintessential fried ring with vibrant cast of colors, flavors, toppings and textures in accordance to the local and contemporary palate, evidenced by the many iterations that I have obtained:
Peeps Spring Donut. cuuuuute
Girl Scout Thin Mints? I think
Strawberry with sprinkles
Glazed Chocolate Cake
Strawberry but slightly more patriotic
Red velvet
Boston Creme filled
Butternut crunch
Current ventures include extending into the territory of a certain other chain and expanding into the fast food sandwich realm.
The original location still features some distinct vintage-looking furnishings including diner-y stools:
and a table that I would love to have in my apartment someday:
Just in case you missed the sign outside, there's a plaque to remind you where you're at:
and pictures of what ancient civilization looked like:
After traveling about 30 minutes on the T, you'd think I would have gotten a ton of donuts to celebrate the occasion. But, in spirit of humble beginnings and nostalgia, I decided to settle for the old fashioned, absent of glaze and fixings, offering only the simple flavor and texture of an extensive ingredient list:
While it may have placed other shops out of business and have gravitated more towards the coffee market in its quest for global prominence, there's no denying the tenacity of Dunkin's adapting business model.
Although the lasting impression of the shop a bit anticlimactic, it's always curious to see the roots once you have seen the tree grow.
Cheers to 60+ years
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