Dunkin' to open ferry snack bar without alcohol: a missed opportunity?

In the United States, Dunkin' has announced plans to start operating concessions on Staten Island ferries by the end of 2024. The New England-based coffee company aims to fill a service gap created during the COVID-19 pandemic when the previous concession operator closed. Initially, Dunkin' will provide coffee, donuts, and snacks on two ferries—the Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis and the Dorothy Day—with plans to expand to the rest of the fleet later. The snacks service will operate without alcohol for now, although Dunkin' has secured rights to offer alcoholic beverages in the future. According to a representative, the company is pushing for an end-of-year grand opening for its locations, which will ultimately need to be operational by January 2025 at the latest as per the lease agreement with the city. The Staten Island Borough President, Vito Fossella, expressed satisfaction with the concession's return, emphasizing its convenience for ferry riders who have missed having refreshments available. The decision has received mixed reactions from riders, some expressing excitement about the prospect of quick access to favorite Dunkin' products during their daily commutes. The service reboot comes after years of vacancy and is part of a larger initiative by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to enhance the commuter experience for the thousands who rely on the ferry each day. Dunkin' won the rights to the concession following evaluations of potential vendors' capabilities, including their operational experience and product offerings. Once operational, Dunkin' aims to offer a variety of beverages and snack options similar to those previously provided by other vendors. The return of food and drink options on the ferry is considered a significant improvement by local officials and riders alike. The previous concessions allowed for a more enjoyable ferry ride, with offerings ranging from coffee to hot meals. Some riders are looking forward to enjoying Dunkin' on their daily trips, hoping for a blend of nostalgia and convenience that reflects the vibrancy of ferry travel in New York City. With Dunkin's established brand and recognition, stakeholders believe it will be a valuable addition to the ferry experience, providing needed refreshments for both local riders and tourists.