OK, I'm sorry, this is just sad. This survey result qualifies as a legitimate cry for help from Emmaus Patch and its dignified coffee drinkers.

Look at the results in other local Patches. It's really interesting. Of course it is largely influenced by who uses Patch and who knew about the survey. And some of it is predictable, but I think the localized concept of should have kept the corporate giants out of it. Like one Patch (at least) listed all the Dunkin' Donuts locations - but they got almost no votes! (Bethlehem, I think it was). And Diana's Cafe won one of them. I'd like to see more locally created polls like this one.

I'll admit I was disappointed to see a chain win this. Nothing against DD, but we have so many wonderful local coffee shops ... it would have been nice to see one of them come out as the winner! Shop local, people! :)

Dunkin donuts? Really? So, if there was a best burger contest, would McDonalds win? I'd be interested to see someone who voted for Dunkin write a comment to explain why it's better than Baked.

WOW! Such such sour grapes here in little old emmaus. Dunkin Donuts won because they do have the best coffee in town. Sorry to all you coffee snobs that need "atmosphere" with your coffee. I'll shop "local" when they produce a better product.

I don't think the taste for DD is so much what surprises people and maybe takes people aback. I know very well that in this world there are Starbucks people and there are people who hate Starbucks. Coffees really are different. I have settled on a mild roast of a South American blend for my house blend, and once in a while I'll make dark roast. I know you can't please everyone, and to presume so is complete folly. I feel people have a dislike for this result because people believe our little town serves a wide variety of tastes in the context of being quite quaint and superior to the corporate chains. Speaking of Superior, since when was anyone above liking diner coffee?! I accept that Matt's taste is for DD, but he should not confuse his taste and opinion with the idea that somehow the locals are inferior. They are different and they will never sell DD coffee, just like The Burgery will never sell McDonald's hamburgers. And yes, there is such a thing as "atmosphere" - Dunkin Donuts has spent decades and millions of dollars cultivating it - so don't kid yourself, Matt.

Like others, I was disappointed to see DD emerge as the winner of “best coffee.” I was reminded of the day that I bought my business when I had my “coffee awakening”, which effectively ended my daily consumption of DD coffee. While I don’t provide a coffee service, part of my product offering is coffee beans. I’ve learned a lot about the story of coffee and the difference in the beans that dominate the world supply. These are mega-growers who sell to entities like Dunkin’ Donuts, hotel chains, the food service industry (McDonalds, etc.), and other large enterprises. I’ve also learned about the arabica beans produced by small, estate growers who hand-prune the plant, are mindful of the growing conditions (sun to shade ratio, soil composition, moisture conditions, altitudes, and temperatures). These are the beans that find their way into the Ma and Pa coffee shops that you’ll find here in town. The quality of the beans makes the difference in the coffee. I’ve had coffee at all of the local shops and would have voted for ANY of them over DD.

Good insights, Jason. Your comments about the "sad state of affairs of the American food industry" extends to other facets of society as well. For instance, I'm really happy that my auto mechanic knows something about cars when I hear a "ding" under the hood; or that my dentist went to dental school to research how to care for teeth. Our country is plagued by a dearth of intellectual curiosity. People are willing to settle for so much less. I'm glad that you and I did the research that our businesses require so that we are able to inform our customers about our products. I wonder how many people standing behind the counter at DD can talk to their customers about coffee!!

jason, why would you assume that I have any idea who you and nancy are? or that I know that you are in "the business"?