Shove Off Small Fry, the Big Boys Wanna Play

Watching Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts duke it out over franchise supremacy is like watching two fat kids sissy-fighting over the last fudge square on earth. The difference is that when these behemoths fight, nobody gets sat on (okay the "little man," but we digress), and everyone gets free coffee.

Let's back up. If you haven't heard, both Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts are doling out free caffeine on the 15th and 21st, respectively, to celebrate the arrival of spring. Not that we had a winter, but whatever, in like a lion out like a lamb and whatnot.

Here are the details:

Starbucks
March 15th
10am-Noon
Free 12 oz. coffees
Purpose: Spring brewing sale kickoff

Dunkin' Donuts
March 21
All day
Free 16 oz. iced coffees
Purpose: Spring

Starbucks, being both more popular and having a greater presence in Philadelphia, is the early favorite here. But they're only handing out the brew for two freaking hours, and it's not during rush hour. Dunkin' Donuts, who clearly has their 'ish together, knows the deal. Not only are they not trying to compete with local free spring hooch stalwart Rita's (who is handing out free water ice all day the previous day, Mar. 20), but they're going wire to wire with the free merch.

The advantage for Starbucks though is not only weight but a greater reach. Phillyist downloaded a map of all Center City Starbucks locations and is planning a guerrilla assault for Thursday on as many joints as possible.

Overall winner: Philadelphia. Unless you consider caffeine addiction a bad thing.

Support your local shops, though. Not that Phillyist works in a local shop or anything...

Image Credit: Flickr user iirraa