Dunkin’ adopted the slogan “America Runs on Dunkin’” in 2006.
The slogan was part of a major advertising campaign designed to position Dunkin’ as an everyday coffee and breakfast brand. It emphasized routine, speed, and accessibility rather than the more leisurely café image associated with some competitors.
Dunkin’ began as Open Kettle in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1948 and changed its name to Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950. The company later shortened its consumer-facing name to Dunkin’ in 2019, reflecting its broader emphasis on beverages and food beyond doughnuts.
The slogan is often incorrectly attributed to Starbucks or Tim Hortons because all three brands sell coffee prominently. “America Runs on Dunkin’” is specifically associated with Dunkin’s 2006 campaign and its American advertising identity.