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May 28, 2025 51 mins

☕ Dunkin’ Donuts: Handled Donuts, Munchkin Origins & Al Pacino’s Dunkaccino ☕

Dunkin’ may be a coffee giant now, but its journey started with donuts — one in particular with a literal handle. In this week’s episode, I break down the entire rise of the chain formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, from its humble beginnings in Quincy, Massachusetts, to becoming the fast-casual coffee behemoth we know today. Plus, I'm joined by writer and performer Amy Vorpahl to unravel some of the weirdest moments in Dunkin’ history — including public domain mascots, airport nostalgia, and the most cursed commercial Al Pacino ever agreed to do.

Is Dunkin’ still the heart of New England? Or has it become just another burnt bean in the breakfast wars?

🍩 Why Dunkin’ Used to Serve Donuts with Handles
🥣 The Real Story Behind Munchkins (and Why They're Not Holes Anymore)
🕯️ Chocolate Donut Deodorant – Yes, Really
🎭 Fred the Baker – The Exhausted Mascot We Didn’t Deserve
📉 When Dunkin’ Stopped Making Donuts Fresh In-House
✂️ Dropping “Donuts” – Was the Name Change Worth It?
🎬 Jack & Jill’s Dunkaccino – A Meme, A Curse, A Cultural Landmark
🌍 Pork & Seaweed Donuts? Global Dunkin’ Menus You Won’t Believe

💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still call it Dunkin’ Donuts? Or are you ride-or-die for the coffee now?

📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast
💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast
🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast

⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual dining!

Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van

Follow Amy on Instagram @vorpahlsword

👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re reviewing Dunkin’ in real time… through a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. See you in “Dunkin & Donuts.” 🎲

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