Jackie from Food Adventures tours the New State of the Art Dunkin, Donuts

You may have noticed a significant increase in new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants opening up around the Dayton area over the past few years. Dayton is definitely “runnin’ on Dunkin’.” Most recently there has been a lot of buzz about a new location at 5901 Far Hills Ave. The Food Adventures Crew had the opportunity to get an exclusive tour (and tasting!) of what’s being referred to as the first “Next Generation Dunkin’” in our area! We sent our lovable in-house blogger to tackle the assignment which is near and dear to her heart. Take it away HUNGRY JAX !!

Ok, I hear some of you getting ready to post about chain restaurants vs. local. We live in a delicious city full of locally owned coffee and donut shops that leave us with so many choices for good old fashioned homemade deliciousness. And it’s no secret that I support the donut industry in our area. But the awesome thing about this region is that there is room for all! Some of you may recall that I am a transplant from Upstate NY. We travel back and forth to see family frequently. One thing I love about Dunkin’ is that no matter where you go, you can count on the same products and quality to be offered. Dunkin’ is one of our trusted pit stops when embarking on a family road trip! I like to compare it to Catholic Mass, no matter where you go, you’ll know what to expect!

The newest Dunkin’ Donuts is locally franchised by the Gilligan Company. Patrick Gilligan left a career with BP oil back in 1993 to start his own

Donuts Up Front

business with the goal of franchising different gas stations and restaurants. Based in Columbus, the Gilligan Company has grown its’ business from Columbus to Cincinnati employing over 900 people. They uphold a commitment to their employees as well as the communities that they serve. Most recently, the local Dunkins’ franchised by Gilligan raised $5,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital. Just one of many ways this company has wanted to give back to the community!

Ok, but enough about people and places. Let’s move onto what this new Dunkin’ Donuts experience offers!

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE NEXT GENERATION of DUNKIN’ DONUTS:

—Immediately upon entering, you’ll notice that they changed the layout. The donut cases, which used to be behind the counter, are now up front so that you can get and up close and personal inspection of which frosted delight you’ll be taking home! The aesthetics of the building is also more modern, keeping the look fresh and new.

State of the Art Coffee Machines grind the beans

—They have also increased being more energy-efficient. The company has designed these new stores to be 25% more energy-efficient. In addition, they have also switched over to a double-layered paper cup. Now you will have the same cup for both coffee and specialty hot drinks, where as before, there were the old Styrofoam cups and the brown paper cups. This change allows for staff to be more efficient when making drinks (no searching for specific cups or lids) as well as eliminating the need for a sleeve a the cups will keep your liquids hot but your hands comfortable!

—Dunkin’ has also embraced the necessity of smart phones. If you download the Dunkin’ App, you will be able to place mobile orders. A nice feature on this is that you can load your order earlier in the day, and the when ready to pick it up, you can click “prepare my order” and it will be fresh and ready with minutes of your arrival! Yet another bonus for those of us with kids or not wanting to take a long pit stop on a road trip. What’s even better is that you also have the option to either pick up in the store OR in the drive thru! The newer Dunkin’s have a lane specifically for mobile order pick-ups!

Maple Bacon Chipotle Croissant

—Ok so what changes have there been to the food? Lots! There are always specials running for new products as well as the classic goods. I got to try some of the new sandwiches offered!

Here is a run down of my MUST EATS for DUNKIN DONUTS:

BROWN SUGAR MAPLE CHIPOTLE BACON BREAKFAST CROISSANT:
- Limited time only! This is their classic Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich with a kick to it! The chipotle sauce adds the spice and the brown sugar bacon balances it out with a crispy sweetness! Not up for a change? The original Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant is on special for 2/$5!

DUNKIN DONUTS ENTIRE $2 MENU:
- You can indulge in a Wake Up Wrap! These are egg and cheese tortilla wraps. You can also include bacon, sausage or ham!

Power Breakfast Sandwich

POWER BREAKFAST SANDWICH:
- This is a veggie delight! At just 370 calories, you get a Veggie Egg white scramble, turkey sausage and cheese on a multi-grain bun! A pocket sized Food Adventure.

VARIETY OF DONUTS AND BAGELS:
- There are always the standard classics of the famous donuts – from the Boston Kreme, to the Jelly and Chocolate Glazed Also, who could forget the munchkin donut holes? And if you haven’t tried their bagels, give them a shot toasted with cream cheese (multiple flavors to choose from!).

MUST DRINKS — COFFEE!!!! For Jackie, Dunkin’ is really all about the coffee….

Dunkin Donuts has high expectations for their coffee! With these new stores, your beverage will be treated with TLC from start to finish! For their original, dark and decaf coffee, they are now being brewed in what is called a “Soft heat” process. No longer will you coffee sit on top of a heating element in a glass carafe. The old process would leave coffee tasting burnt. This newer process gently heats the coffee within the thermos. There is also an indicator light letting staff know when it’s time to brew a fresh pot to ensure that you’re always getting a quality cup!

The newest drive thru includes a mobile lane

For those of you that appreciate a specialty coffee drink, you’ll be pleased to see that the beans will be freshly ground and each drink made fresh to your order! Additionally, if you like a chilled beverage, the “Premium Pours” cold beverage station is up and running. Here you can get iced coffee, cold brew, and iced tea all “on tap”! In addition, you can try the new NITRO Cold Brew Coffee! This is a fantastic upgrade to the traditional cold brew process as they infuse the drinks with nitrogen, creating a light tasking drink that’s refreshing and will keep you running! A cool thing about this process is that there are not nitrogen tanks. Instead the system pulls the nitrogen from the air!

Once again, the new location on Far Hills is the only “Next Generation Dunkin’” in our area! But keep an eye out as the existing stores will transition eventually bringing the tasty and innovative changes across the area. So swing on over, taste some new and old goodies, and let us know what you think!

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then tune in each week for a feature article from the Food Adventures Crew. We are a blog that will leave no plate unturned. Follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

Bacon Maple Croissant Sandwich

Pumpkin Spice Season

Cold Coffee Specialties on Tap

Chocolate with Sprinkles

It’s a Jelly

Nuts about Dunkin.

Glazed Goodness

Kids runnin’ on Dunkin

Chocolate Glazed

Bagel and Cream Cheese with coffee

Stack em up

These taps will pep you up

So mobile nowadays

State of the Art Equipment

Tme savers

Newest Heating and Cooling techniques

Daytons First and only new generation store is in Washington Township near 48 and Whipp Rd.

Jz Says it is all about the coffee

shots!

Bagels

Wrap up

chocolate glazed

It is all about the coffee at Dunkin for us

Whole Lotta Love

SPRINKLES ! The Dunkin Donuts Mascot follows Food Adventures.

Geez Louise .. Look at that delicious cross section

Boston Kreme Donut

Jackie tests Sprinkles icing …

Delicious Bagels and Cream Cheeses await you

In 2014, The Bagel Cafe in Kettering went out of business. Since then, The Food Adventures crew has felt a void. In 2017, we have been made full again.

How?

Kettering now has a nice little eatery that is quietly becoming a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take out. It is called Barry Bagels, and if you miss The Bagel Cafe, you’re gonna like this place.

Lets get the scoop, before you get verklempt.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BARRY BAGEL:

— Founded in 1972 by the late Barry Greenblatt, his family still owns the business, running 10 locations in Ohio

The serving counter gets busy

and Michigan.

— The Kettering Barry Bagel store opened March 2017 and is located at 4313 Far Hills Ave, near the intersection of Shroyer and Far Hills

— Weekday hours are 6:30am-7pm, while Saturday is 6:30am-5pm and Sunday hours are 8am-3pm

— They boil and bake the bagels in-house, and have around 18 choices of Bagel flavors and about 8 different types of Cream Cheeses

Lox and Cream Cheese Sandwich

— They roast and slice their meats on site, making for some delicious bagel sandwiches.

—Every bagel has the option of being toasted… and even buttered.. take advantage.

There are a ton of choices at this place, and after several visits, we have been through the menu and have come up with our patented “must eats.” So without further delay.. oy vey !

HERE ARE THE MUST EATS at BARRY BAGEL:

—LOX and CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH:
Lox are thin slices of salmon that are cured in a salt/sugar mix or a brine. It is not smoked. The salmon is a delicacy, not common in Dayton, but delicious nonetheless. The Lox are served in this sandwich with plain cream cheese and capers. You can add more toppings, but we found this simple combo to be one of the best sandwiches we have ever eaten. This is one of our favorite sandwiches in the Miami Valley. Try this unique “must eat.”

Spinach Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese

—SPINACH FETA BAGEL with SCALLION CREAM CHEESE:
Sometimes our Food Adventures become obsessed with feta, and this is another instance. Try the combo of the spinach bagel and the scallion cream cheese. Such a rich, deep flavor. Savor th is luxury.

—BLUEBERRY BAGEL with STRAWBERRY CHEESE:
Going overboard on berries is a great thing here. Try the strawberry cream cheese on the blueberry bagel. It is like a dessert.

Loving the Grape Jelly – buttered and toasted too !

—SESAME SEED BAGEL, TOASTED and BUTTERED with GRAPE JELLY:
Sometimes it is a childhood taste that sets your mood. The jelly on this toasted and buttered bagel works miracles for bringing you back in time.

—A VANILLA CINNAMON BAGEL with CINNAMON SWIRL CREAM CHEESE:
Again the combo of flavors is like a dessert. This is a dreamy treat for an easy Sunday morning or a Thursday afternoon pep-up. This will be a favorite combo of yours.. wanna bet?

— TUNA SALAD SANDWICH on an EVERYTHING BAGEL:
We added pickle, lettuce and tomato for a sandwich that is simply “refreshing.” The tuna salad, made daily on site, hit the spot. A perfect choice for lunch on the “go.”

—TURKEY SANDWICH with PROVOLONE CHEESE on a WHOLE WHEAT BAGEL:
A very filling roasted turkey sandwich. Add provolone and mayo, and the toppings finish the deal. Playing a sport later? You found your carb and protein fuel.

—PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY SANDWICH on a PLAIN BAGEL:
An ultimate kid indulgence good enough for adults too. Strawberry jelly is our suggestion. Such a gooey and good treat, bring an extra napkin for the ride home.

Matzo Ball Soup

—MATZO BALL SOUP:
Where else can you get this stuff in Dayton? A Wonton soup like broth with a big matzo ball in the middle. Served very hot, so be careful. A simple, plain, yet delicate and traditional treat. Channel your inner New Yorker.

There you go – our Food Adventure faves…
Other honorable mentions include the Pastrami Sandwich and the Roast Beef Sandwich.

Is this the Carnegie Deli? No, but it is a solid choice for good bagels and a casual meal in or “to go.” The menu has some refreshing choices, including giant cookies and we all love Grape Fanta in a bottle !!

Barry Bagels is definitely “on a roll” with good food. Note – long lines may form on Sundays and during certain rushes. Be patient, it is worth it.