Thornton's "expands and improves" its coffee lineup

[Robin Garr]

Un-edited news release:

THORNTONS INC. INTRODUCES EXPANDED & IMPROVED COFFEE LINEUP
Introduces Proprietary Coffee Blends to Louisville & Southern Indiana Phasing out Dunkin Donuts® Brand Affiliation

Louisville, KY, March 27, 2012 – In a continuing effort to delight its loyal and ever-­‐growing clientele who frequent its multiple locations for a delicious, freshly-­‐brewed cup of coffee, Thorntons Inc. today announces the expansion and enhancement of its proprietary coffee brand, Thorntons Premium Blend Coffees in Louisville and Southern Indiana.

The official rollout date for the 33 Kentuckiana locations that currently serve the Dunkin Donuts brand coffee, will commence Monday, April 2 and is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

“We are thrilled with this expansion, and the upcoming series of enhancements, as we continue to offer the highest quality and best variety of coffee available to consumers,” states Thorntons President & CEO Matt Thornton. And while we have enjoyed our affiliation with Dunkin Donuts, we will now have the ability to offer a broader range and selection of the Thorntons coffee brand.”

In addition to its current signature Gourmet House Blend, made from the highest quality Arabica beans (the same beans many of today’s best coffee shops use), Thorntons is adding new flavors including a Dark Roast blend for those who prefer a bolder taste. Also made with 100% Arabica beans and available in a decaffeinated version, Thorntons Dark Roast Blend is a Rainforest Alliance Certified product.

Thorntons plans to maintain its current lineup of popular flavor enhancements such as fresh whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce. Thorntons will add a variety of exciting new items to its "Hot Treat" centers including fresh milk, fresh cream, plus a greater range of flavor shots, all to provide customers with more options to make their hot beverage exactly the way they want.

I get my Morning Joe at the "flagship" Thorton's at Hurstbourne and I-64 every day. I assume they try out a lot of the new concepts and equipment here because it changes frequently and there are usually some of the Thorton's big wigs hanging around occasionaly before they head off to the corporate office right down the street on Lynn Station Rd. I personally think they have great coffee and I refill my 24oz. Tervis Tumbler for only .94! They also offer a rewards card where you buy any 6 beverages and the 7th is free!

Dan, wouldn't you cut your costs in half (at least) and have better coffee if you brewed at home and put it in your to go cup?

It would be about the same amount of time as stopping at Thornton's also. If you have a coffee maker you can set you can program it set it up each night.

Dan, wouldn't you cut your costs in half (at least) and have better coffee if you brewed at home and put it in your to go cup?

It would be about the same amount of time as stopping at Thornton's also. If you have a coffee maker you can set you can program it set it up each night.

Probably. But I'm definately not a morning person and I usually get out of bed at the last possible second, shower and stumble out the door. I've been stopping at this Thorton's ever since they built it 3 years ago. When they first opened, they gave away coffee for about the first four or five months and stopping there just became as much a part of my morning routine as brushing my fangs. Plus I usually always run into the same group of people stopping at the same time for coffee as well and have have some cordial social conversation to start my day too.

Don't assume that Thornton's coffee is bad or sub-par. They use the same local company that, last time I checked, provides coffee for 28 out of louisville's top 30 restaurants. Plus almost every hotel in the Louisville area including 21C and the Brown. Pretty good company if you ask me. Sounds like they are serious about brewing a quality cup of joe.

Jeff, not assuming it's bad but I will have to try it. I know Speedway coffee tastes pretty bad but haven't tried Thornton's.

I was just talking about Dan's .94 cents per day. He's got good reasons and he's free, white and 21. Just wondering if he ever considered brewing at home.

.94 cents a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year is $244 a year. You can buy about 27, 12oz bags of Sunergos or Heine Bros for that at $9/bag.

Dan, wouldn't you cut your costs in half (at least) and have better coffee if you brewed at home and put it in your to go cup.

Definitely. You can also save a ton of money by never going out to eat, and cooking at home 100% of the time. But... I'm on this forum for conversations about our "going out" experiences.

I love the opening line: " In a continuing effort to delight its loyal and ever-­‐growing clientele . . . "

[Robin Garr]

I love the opening line: " In a continuing effort to delight its loyal and ever-­‐growing clientele . . . "

Yeah, I usually clip out the hype when I post news releases, particularly the ones from "kitchen table PR firms," but this one was so naively sweet I thought everyone would enjoy it in the original.

Not just serve, but delight.

Hey, if Dan drinks it everyday it must on be half bad.

I'll go on record as a Thornton's and Dunkin coffee fan. Not gonna find a better cup at any gas station.

I'll go on record as a Thornton's and Dunkin coffee fan. Not gonna find a better cup at any gas station.

Strangely enough, the Pilot station near my home in Simpsonville has respectable coffee (but I'll point out it's once every several months when I might forget to set my pot to brew that I stop by for coffee on the way to the office).