For Subscribers

Why It Took Dunkin' Donuts 10 Years to Build the Perfect New Cup

The inside story of the struggle the donut chain had in phasing out its iconic, yet hazardous, styrofoam cup.

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By Alyssa Giacobbe

Floto + Warner

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In New England, it is often said, Dunkin' Donuts is religion. Not only does it have a rock-solid reputation for consistency -- the chain still uses the original coffee blend established by founder Bill Rosenberg more than 60 years ago -- it's also egalitarian, the sort of place where your car salesman grandfather and your techie nephew might run into Patriots owner Bob Kraft, all out for their morning Dunks run. This universal quality is part of what has helped the brand engender a ritualistic loyalty and retain a distinctly local vibe, even as it has expanded to more than 12,500 stores in 46 countries. It is also why Dunkin' does not take change lightly.

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