The Dunkin' Donuts diaries

Dunkin' brands has gone public again. Some highlights from its complex and tasty history.

1946: Founder Bill Rosenberg starts Industrial Luncheon Services, which sells doughnuts and coffee to Boston-area factory workers from cafeteria stands and canteen trucks (above). By 1949 he has 200 "roach coaches."

1948: Bill opens his first real store, Open Kettle.

Source: Dunkin' Brands; IBISWorld; Jim Coen, president DD Independent Franchise Owners; Technomic; Time to Make the Donuts by William Rosenberg; Babson College; Pernod Ricard; Thomas H. Lee Partners

By Betsy Feldman, contributor - Last updated September 07 2011: 6:16 AM ET

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