Who does not enjoy a good donut? This year, in honor of National Donut Day, on Wednesday, November 5, the Kings’ Cast decided to put two donut shops to the test. Many consumers in today’s society have a passion for donuts. Donuts are a treat that a person can typically eat any time during the day. The Kings Cast decided to participate in an “official” taste test to get their opinions, comparing local and chain donut shops. The chain donut shop sampled was the classic Dunkin’ Donuts. Dunkin’ is located all over the United States. The Cast also tasted our local donut shop, located in Kokomo, Indiana, Dan’s Donuts.
According to the Dan’s Donut Shop website, Dan’s is a local, family-owned business that opened in 1975. Dunkin’, on the other hand, opened in 1950 and is not family-owned. Both shops offer donut flavors seasonally, typically during the winter months. This helps create more sales for both businesses. Even though the bakeries both have seasonal donuts, Dan’s has more seasonal offerings of donut flavors.
Most of the Cast had similar responses when reviewing Dunkin’. They stated Dunkin’ Donuts was good overall, but tended to be drier than Dan’s. Some of the Cast members mentioned that Dunkin’ Donuts were bland and did not offer many flavors. Lewis Cass senior Kaison Hipsher-Walker stated, “Dan’s and Dunkin’ pretty much tasted the same.”
The Cast overall stated they prefer Dan’s over Dunkin’. Dan’s was sweeter and had more flavor than Dunkin. Also, the cast members mentioned that Dan’s were fresher and more moist. The overall fan favorite from Dan’s was the maple donut. Lewis Cass freshman, Bella Wagoner stated, “My favorite donut from Dunkin’ would have to be the strawberry donut.” Bella also stated,“I usually don’t like strawberry donuts, but the Dunkin’ one was pretty good. Cast member Kylie Logan stated, “ I typically would not eat cream-filled donuts; however, Dan’s changed my perspective.” Lewis Cass sophomore, Brecken Smith stated, “My favorite donut from Dan’s would be the maple, and I do not have a favorite donut from Dunkin’.”
The only downfall of Dan’s is that customers may have to wait in line for a long time. Dan’s is open throughout the week, 1 am-noon. Brecken Smith stated, “I had to stand in line for an hour and a half at Dan’s.” With Dunkin’, it is open throughout the week 24/7, but the hours vary depending on location. As a large chain, Dunkin’ typically does not have a wait time, offering both in-store and drive-through options. Dan’s also runs out of donuts more quickly than Dunkin’. If people want donuts fast and efficiently, then Dunkin’ is their best option, but if they want donuts that taste better than Dan’s, then that’s the place to go!
Overall, National Donut Day was a success with the Kings’ Cast. The Kings’ Cast overall fan favorite was our local Dan’s Donut Shop! There is no such thing as a bad donut. Everyone enjoyed our taste test experience. If you are a donut connoisseur, the Kings’ Cast encourages consumers to try both Dunkin’ and Dan’s, and see which donut you prefer. Remember, there is never a bad time to try a donut! Happy National Donut Day!
