Don Apple Discusses Coffee With Son Doug Apple on Feb. 27, 2026

"I'm sure I didn't drink coffee until I started working at the grocery store... the coffee would have been free in the break room. And so since it was free, I drank coffee." — Don Apple In this heartwarming and nostalgic interview, Doug Apple sits down with his father, Don, on the occasion of his 85th birthday to discuss a surprisingly deep topic: coffee. Through the lens of this daily ritual, Don shares memories of growing up in a house where coffee was a rare luxury, his early days working at the A&P grocery store, and the evolution of American coffee culture. From the sound of industrial grinders at the checkout lane to hearing the news of President Kennedy’s assassination during a coffee break, this conversation proves that the simplest habits often hold our most profound memories. -- 1950s Economics: Remembering when a cup of coffee cost between five and ten cents at local diners like Don's mother's restaurant: Pearl’s Cafe. -- The A&P Years: A look back at the three iconic coffee brands—Red Circle, Eight O'Clock, and Bocar—and the ritual of grinding whole beans at the checkout counter. -- The "Free" Motivation: How a frugal young man started a lifelong habit simply because the coffee in the grocery store break room was free. -- Historical Markers: The chilling memory of taking a coffee break at a Walgreens in Decatur and hearing the announcement of JFK’s assassination over the outdoor speakers. -- Modern Splurges: A grandfather’s perspective on the "frou-frou" coffee culture of today and the simple joy of sharing a (too strong) Starbucks with his granddaughters. -- Advice to a Younger Self: Reflections on health, consumption, and being mindful of what we put into our bodies as the years go by.