Dunkin' Donuts targets Starbucks in Super Bowl ad

Dunkin' Donuts launched a pointed ad featuring Ben and Casey Affleck, along with coach Bill Belichick, during Super Bowl 2025, taking subtle jabs at competitor Starbucks. The commercial, which included humorous critiques of Starbucks' long wait times and complicated menu, resonated with viewers as it did not explicitly mention the rival but clearly referenced its green logo and barista uniforms. Starbucks is currently facing scrutiny over service inefficiencies, prompting its new CEO, Brian Niccol, to announce efforts to simplify the menu and reduce wait times, including cutting 30% of menu items and lowering mobile order caps. The Affleck brothers humorously questioned the necessity of complex drink orders, further highlighting Starbucks' challenges in customer service. As the ad sparked discussions online, many praised Dunkin' for its boldness amid Starbucks' recent controversies, including allegations of employee mistreatment. The humorous rivalry reflects a broader trend of brands using high-profile advertising events to address competitive pressures and engage consumers online.