Let me start by saying I understand we live in a free market economy, where capitalism rules everything around us at all times, always, and forever. Adams Outdoor Advertising, the fourth largest, and largest privately-held, out of home media operator in the United States, is in the business of selling billboards, and companies like Dunkin’ are in the business of selling coffee. So, it is their right for these two companies to make this transaction, exchanging billboard space for money. That’s just the way it goes.
I was driving down Neil Street and noticed this, and it felt a little gnarly to me, as it is right next to the locally-owned Espresso Royale. I’m sure you’ve seen it, too. This advertisement isn’t outside of a Starbucks, it is outside of an Espresso, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I suppose my point is: Couldn’t this advertisement be somewhere else? The answer is yes, yes it could be somewhere else, but it isn’t, and that sucks.
In a world of razor-thin margins, Dunkin’ likely sought out billboards close to other competing coffee shops in an effort to get more customers to go to Dunkin’. Espresso just so happens to have this giant billboard right outside of their front door.
Dunkin’ was bought by Inspire Brands, a holding company backed by Roark Capital Group, for $11.3 billion in 2020.
