The city of Buffalo’s first Dunkin’ Donuts opened earlier today at 598 Main Street (corner of Chippewa). And when I say early, I’m talking ‘5am early’. That’s what time customers can walk through the door on any given weekday. Then, on weekends, the doors open at 7am. Director of Operations, Pat Cosentino, told me that although there was no line at 5:30 am, there were customers backed up to the entranceway most of the morning. “Even The Mayor stopped by,” he told me. “He announced that today was officially Dunkin’ Donuts Day in the City of Buffalo.” I asked Pat what The Mayor left with, and what his favorite donut was, and he replied, “ He left with a box of donuts… his favorite is glazed.”
This particular Dunkin’ Donuts franchise group is one year old, and the Main/Chippewa location is the ninth in the area to open. The shop will staff 15-20 employees who will serve up donuts, as well as the franchise’s best seller… coffee. DD will also be serving up a different type of menu that touts flatbread pizzas as a new offering. Store Manager, Bob Aquino, a self professed KISS fan, told me, “We’re here to conquer and crush Tim Horton’s. Just like Gene Simmons and the KISS Army would do.” Bob also said that he would be showing up in full KISS regalia on Halloween and no one should miss it. “I have a Kiss collection at home and play in a KISS cover band on the side.”
I’m still trying to find out what was more interesting… Bob and his KISS obsession, or the jumping donut that someone walking by mistook for a California Raisin.
Hat Tip to David Torke @ Fix Buffalo who was out looking for donuts at 5:30 this morning.
Photo: Donut dude and Dunkin' Donut employee.