Pat Kenney
Campus News Editor
We are all used to rivalries in our lives, whether it is that friend who always seems to do better on a test than you or a team that you keep coming up against.
As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Springfield College added yet another rivalry into our lives: Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts.
Intrigued that our college would put such fierce rivals just minutes away from each other, I decided to investigate to see which coffee company was better and which one students preferred.
After a little research I found some interesting facts about both companies. Starbucks, based out of Seattle, has earned almost $13 billion in sales and owns the west coast, with most states in the Western United States having only Starbucks’ stores.
On the other hand, Dunkin’ Donuts, based in Canton, Massachusetts, has reeled in over $9 billion in sales and dominates the Northeast. Dunkin also has a presence in 32 other countries as opposed to Starbucks’ six.
In addition to that, in a recent national blind test, more Americans preferred the taste of Dunkin’s coffee over Starbucks. But which one do Springfield College students prefer?
My investigation started at Dunkin’ Donuts. Asking students why they preferred this coffee company over the other, the majority of the responses were based on the taste of the coffee and how it was prepared. Occasionally a student would tell me about the unlimited amount of donuts and muffins Dunkin’ provides, but for the most part it was the coffee that was bringing in the majority of the students.
Interesting.
My next stop was Locklin, the home of the new Starbucks. After cramming myself into the mini breakfast station, I again asked my question. I received a couple of different responses, ranging from closeness to the classrooms, to cold drink selection, to the hipster atmosphere.
Again, interesting, but I had noticed one big difference between each.
Whether it was on purpose or not, the new Starbucks on campus seems to be a quick, on-the-go station that students can stop at while running to and from class. The mini breakfast station gives students the chance to still get their morning coffee while on their way to class instead of going out of their way to stop in the Union.
The Dunkin’ Donuts gives students a complete 180-degree feel. With lounge chairs and tables set up for students to hang out and relax, Dunkin’ provides students with an actual coffee shop atmosphere.
Whether you prefer the quick stop or calm, relaxed feel of a coffee shop, Springfield College now provides both. I may never find out my answer as to which company is better, so I leave it in your hands.
Go out and experiment on your own. Try the coffee, the breakfast sandwiches, the muffins and even the iced tea! One thing is certain…no matter where you go, the line will be out the door.