Dunkin’ Donuts Innovates In and Out of the Kitchen for National Donut Day

Friday is National Donut Day and TheStreet got a chance to speak with Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) - Get Report CEO Nigel Travis to hear how the company is celebrating. (Quick hint: The Massachusetts-based company is giving away a free classic donut with drink purchase.) While it may at times seem like every day is 'National Something Day,' the history of National Donut Day is impressive. It started in 1938 by the Salvation Army in recognition of members who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. Offerings at Dunkin' Donuts have increased well beyond the old mix of black coffee and so-called 'classic' donuts, which are regular donuts with frosting and sprinkles. In fact, in the last quarter, Dunkin' attributed its two percent same-store sales growth to the growing popularity of its espresso-based and iced coffee drinks. If eco-conscious coffee consumers are worried about Dunkin's continued use of Styrofoam cups, Travis said it is working on new polypropylene cup cup designs that work with the plastic lids favored by customers.