The Donut Debate: Dunkin' Donuts v. Krispy Kreme

Tuesday, Dunkin' Donuts is celebrating it's grand opening here in Elyria, Ohio.  There has been a donut void in the community since Links and Sweet Cream went out of business years ago.  I think they have a great location (across the street from the college) and will do outstanding business. 

Comparing Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kremes is like comparing a Buckeyes win over Michigan with a Browns win over the Steelers.  Both are wonderful and cherished things, a blessing for which to be thankful and appreciative.  But we'll have this discussion anyways because this is my blog and I care about this.

Going into a DD or a KK is an experience.  The thing that immediately stands out when you enter a DD is the variety, a wall of donuts that sets the mind into overload considering all the possibilities.  Cake, powdered, glazed, cream-filled, jelly, crullers, frosted, minis, bagels, etc.  Anything you could ask for.  While the selection at a KK is more limited, KK offers you an added element to the experience... you get to see the process.   Watching the donuts ride the conveyor belt and then pass under the glaze waterfall, make the turn and then have someone hand you one, right off the line, for FREE, is something that everyone should experience at least once in your life. 

As far as product is concerned, I think KK has the edge in glazed and cinnamon donuts, DD has the edge in cream-filled and jelly.  Freshness is a draw, as both do an excellent job in delivering a fresh product.  KK has fewer stores than DD, but are available at Speedways and other stores and thus more accessible.

In my opinion, I have to declare Dunkin' Donuts my preference by the slightest of margins based on the strength of it's variety.  However, the true winners are you and I as Americans.  Where else in the world but in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave is there the freedom and opportunity to have this kind of choice?  Truly, we Americans have been blessed and should appreciate all that we have, taking nothing for granted.  Especially the donuts!