By George Anderson
When Dunkin' Donuts at 715 Boylston Street in Boston found out about Starbucks' promotion to give away free cups of coffee between 10:00 a.m. and noon today, it quickly shifted into gear to come up with a response.
What it came up with was free samples of its Turbo Hot coffee (made with a shot of espresso) as well as free cab rides for customers in downtown Boston in five bright pink Dunkin' Donuts Turbo Hot Taxis. The taxi service will run from eight in the morning until six in the evening, according to a Boston Herald report.
Starbucks expects to pour roughly half a million cups of free Caffe Verona coffee (decaf on request) today at its U.S. shops. It also intends to take its campaign to the streets with sampling efforts through its "Venti Vans".
Jim Alling, president of Starbucks U.S. stores, told The Associated Press, "We want customers from Seattle to Miami, from Boston to L.A., and all points in between, to visit us for a complimentary cup of the best coffee they've ever had."
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on the Starbucks "National Coffee Break" promotion and Dunkin's Donuts' response in Boston? - George Anderson - Moderator