The Food That Built America Season 3 Episode 3 Do or Donut

The Food That Built America is back with its third season and its third episode is titled "Do or Donut." In this episode, viewers will be taken on a journey through the history of America's love affair with this round, sweet treat.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of the donut, which can be traced back to a Dutch treat known as 'oliebollen.' These treats were brought to America and the first donut was made by a woman named Elizabeth Gregory, who added nutmeg and cinnamon to the dough. Her son loved the treats so much that he punched a hole in the center to make them easier to eat.

The show then moves on to discuss the rise of Krispy Kreme donuts and the innovative marketing strategies that made them a household name. The company was founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937 and was known for its iconic 'Hot Now' neon sign that signaled when fresh donuts were coming off the line.

The episode also explores the story of William Rosenberg, who founded Dunkin' Donuts in 1950. The company became wildly successful and expanded rapidly thanks to their clever franchising model. The episode delves into the ups and downs of the company, including the decision to drop 'Donuts' from their name in 2018 to reflect their wider range of menu items.

In addition to these giants of the donut industry, the episode also highlights the many small mom-and-pop shops that have kept the love of donuts alive across America. From the Voodoo Doughnut shop in Portland, Oregon that became famous for their wild and creative flavors, to the legendary Blue Star Donuts in Los Angeles, viewers will get a taste of the many different ways donuts have been reinvented over the years.

Of course, no episode of The Food That Built America would be complete without some drama and conflict. In "Do or Donut," viewers will learn about the bitter patent dispute between Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts over the use of the term 'donut' in their products. The legal battle lasted for years and was finally settled when both sides agreed to use the term 'doughnut' instead.

Overall, "Do or Donut" promises to be a fascinating look into the history of one of America's most beloved treats. With its mix of culinary history, business strategy, and human drama, the episode is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.