SINCE THE CHAIN ARRIVED IN 1971, Mister Donut continues to be one of the most popular and beloved fast-food chains in Japan, even bigger than Dunkin’ Donuts, which withdrew from the country decades ago. In fact, Mister Donut has become so mainstream there that many people don’t even know or have nearly forgotten that it’s an American brand.
The original Mister Donut was founded in Boston in 1956 by Harry Winokur, the brother-in-law and former business partner of the Dunkin’ Donuts founder Bill Rosenberg, following the dissolution of their partnership. It went on to become popular enough to compete well against Dunkin’ Donuts, spawning about 550 stores across the States in its heyday.
