By Malaya Madison
While driving down the classic West Paces Ferry Road, which most Lovett students and faculty know very well, I noticed a new addition to the fast food landscape.
Dunkin’ had opened up, and guess what… It was located right next to Starbucks.
Because of this, I was curious which drive-through Lovett students and faculty would be turning into, and why.
To find the answer, I sent out a survey that received 141 responses.
71% of respondents picked Starbucks, leaving Dunkin’ in the powdered-sugar dust.
One respondent summed up their preference by saying, “Starbucks is Starbucks.”
But most respondents cited numerous reasons they prefer Starbucks, such as food variety, better coffee, and a better ambiance.
When I spoke with sophomore Phillip Claybrooks, he told me he prefers Starbucks because they have more “diverse foods” than Dunkin’.
He also really enjoys the cafe aspect of Starbucks, especially being able to study in there. (This, of course, is not possible in the West Paces location, which is drive-thru only.)
“It makes me feel like I’m super studious,” Claybrooks said.
The remaining 29% of respondents preferred Dunkin’, and they had reasons for doing so.
For some, it’s about their origin. “I’m from the East Coast where everyone runs on Dunkin’! And it’s not as expensive as Starbucks,” one respondent said.
For some, it’s about the donuts. One respondent prefers Dunkin’ because “Donuts, Duh!”
“I like the drinks, HOWEVER Dunkin Donuts are fire,” another respondent said.
There were also people who can’t choose between the two and have no specific loyalty to either establishment.
“I prefer Dunkin’ for coffee and sweets, but Starbucks for refreshers, frappuccinos, and snacks/breakfast,” one respondent said.
Senior Daniel Gadsen says he prefers Starbucks simply because he has never had Dunkin’ before.
When asked if there was a specific reason he has never tried it before, he said, “No, we just drive past it.”
At Starbucks, he enjoys getting a strawberry cream frappuccino with strawberry drizzle on the side and on top, and a smoked bacon, egg, and cheese.
As far as drinks go, 79% of respondents prefer Starbucks for drinks, while 21% prefer Dunkin’.
Dr. Wall is part of the majority. Dr. Wall, a US Counselor, says she prefers Starbucks because of their Chai Tea.
Apart from Chai Tea, some fan-favorite Starbucks drinks were: Pumpkin Chai, Strawberry Acaí Refreshers, Matchas, and Frappuccinos.
At Dunkin’? Lattes, Caramel Vanilla Macchiato, Iced coffee with cream, and a Blue Coolatta.
But food is where Dunkin’ has a strong impact on the Lovett community.
As far as grabbing a bite, the answers were more evenly split.
58% of respondents prefer Starbucks for food, while 42% prefer Dunkin’.
One Dunkin’ fan recommended the everything stuffed bagel: “[Those] things are amazing.”
“Dunkin has tastier breakfast options if I don’t want coffee,” another respondent said.
Starbucks favorites include: Chocolate Croissants, Cake Pops, Feta Egg Wrap, and Grilled Cheese.
Dunkin’ favorites included: Donuts, Blueberry Munchkins, Avocado Toast, and Wake Up Wraps.
Besides grabbing a bite, 70% of respondents said Starbucks makes better coffee drinks, and 30% said Dunkin’ makes better coffee drinks.
“Starbucks is less sweet and has stronger coffee,” one respondent said.
For seasonal drinks, 89% of respondents prefer Starbucks, and 11% prefer Dunkin’.
Finally, how do students and teachers feel about the Dunkin’ opening next to Starbucks? 60% of students and faculty said it didn’t really matter to them, but the other 40% had more to say.
9% said they love it because the Starbucks line is shorter, and 10% said they feel great because they love Dunkin’!
Many respondents said that they love a good rivalry, so it’s perfect.
Some were happy to be granted more options.
“If one line is longer, I just go to the other,” one respondent said.
“There is so much need for coffee service in that area that it’s probably a good thing. I do like that Dunkin’ is close and I can pick up donuts for my students,” another respondent said.
Others weren’t as happy about the new addition. Many were annoyed by the move because it increased traffic getting to school.
“Traffic is way worse now at the Dunkin because people don’t know how to drive,” one respondent said.
Another agreed, saying, “The inclusion of that specific Dunkin’ location on Northside Parkway (right by the West Paces Ferry intersection) introduces a massive bottleneck to your morning commute to either work or school, whichever you prefer.”
Of course, there are plenty of other places to get coffee and treats.
Some people prefer supporting local establishments.
“I think chain places like these are great, but people need to try out and support their local coffee shops too!!!” one respondent said.
A few recommendations for other coffee shops were 7 Brew, Le Bon Nosh, The Daily, Bellwood Coffee, and Jubilee.
Still, while local coffee shops are nice, convenience from big chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ is key in the morning.
Others find the most convenient thing to be making their coffee themselves.
When asked their favorite place to go for coffee/drinks, many respondents said “my house.”
“I really like to make my own coffee at home,” another respondent said.
Regardless of whether a warm donut gets your morning going or a strong coffee, it is obvious that the majority of the Lovett community will be pulling into Starbucks ’ drive-through.
