If you are a coffee fanatic, you are going to LOVE this! 

While there are only 6 locations for the 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 that?

Now, I understand that since we are from Buffalo, New York, we associate more so with the coffee chain Tim Horton’s than we do with Dunkin’; however, I think you’ll appreciate the story behind it. 

How Dunkin’ Got Started

In 1948, when the first location opened, it was actually known by the name of “Open Kettle.” It was back then when it got its reputation for being “America’s Coffee,” with a few connections to WWII. 

Following World War II, a man named William Rosenberg borrowed $1,000 and adding it to his $1,500 in war bonds with a vision to create a company that would offer meals and coffee break snacks to factory workers. Being part of Bethlehem Steel during the war, Rosenberg took note of some issues with food distribution that he felt like he could remedy with a donut-coffee restaurant that also offered 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 would buy the pair so that they could dunk their donuts into their coffee. 

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

Who Owns Dunkin’ Now?

According to a plaque inside the original location, the Carvalho family began brewing there in 1979, and it has been owned and operated by the family ever since! 

Where Is The Original Dunkin’ Donuts?

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

Quincy is the largest city in Norfolk County, and it is considered to be a greater part of the Boston suburbs. 

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

Virtual Tour Of The Original Dunkin’ Donuts

Take a look at the video below to see the vintage location!

Would you go? 

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