BY Gabriella Ruvo
Staff Reporter
What was formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts will now be rebranded to just Dunkin’.
According to the Dunkin’ Donuts official website, Bill Rosenberg unveiled the first ever Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in Quincy, Mass. in 1950.
Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants started popping up all over the country. Dunkin’ Donuts has over 11,300 restaurants all over the world. That’s more than 8,500 restaurants in 41 states across the country. Along with that, they have more than 3,200 global restaurants amidst 36 countries, according to the Dunkin’ Donuts website.
Dunkin’ Donuts will officially rebrand and change their name to “Dunkin’” in new/remodeled restaurants as of January 2019.
There was an uncertainty about it happening at locations in Connecticut due to the rebrand only happening at new/remodeled Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.
Junior Lauren McNair, also works at a Dunkin Donuts location in Seymour, Connecticut.
“Dunkin Corporate will send a company to remove the sign, and then they will release all new cups, apparel, and other Dunkin products,” said McNair. “It’s going to take a while because there are so many Dunkin’s in the USA, especially in the Northeast. Plus, they would have to use the rest of the DD inventory first before making new products.”
She doesn’t think it’s going to make a big difference.
“For me, it didn’t have a substantial affect because I already knew that Dunkin was going to undergo a rebranding process. I do not think that consumers will be greatly affected because many already call Dunkin’ Donuts, Dunkin’ prior to the change,” said McNair.
Some customers are divided about the name change, those who care and those who have always just called it Dunkin’.
Senior Patrick Faria believes this change could be very beneficial for the brand.
“The change appeals to the masses. Dunkin’ Donuts average consumer doesn’t use the Donuts part of their name anyway,” said Faria. “Their brand loyalty is strong so they have nothing to worry about.”
However, senior Dana Beneventano doesn’t think this change is a good idea and believes it should stay as its always been.
“The original name, Dunkin’ Donuts, is the company’s trademark and changing the name/marketing strategy may make it lose their originality,” said Beneventano.
Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, the arch enemies of the coffee world have officially collided. Dunkin’ Donuts has always been two words, while Starbucks has always been one. Will people prefer Dunkin’ over Starbucks?
“I liked Starbucks because it was easier to say “Starbucks” rather than “Dunkin’ Donuts,” but I do prefer Dunkin’ Donuts over Starbucks,” said freshman Divalee Iglesias.
On the other hand, junior MaryRose Rainey prefers Starbucks and doesn’t think the name change is going to make a difference.
“I like Starbucks more because it’s stronger coffee and has more caffeine,” said Rainey.
“I personally think Dunkin’ is more for beginner coffee lovers. I don’t think name change is going to impact if people like Starbucks or not. Regardless, people call it Dunkin’ already, not a lot of people say the full name anyway.”
The subject of popularity arose when talking to students about Dunkin’ Donuts in the Connecticut area close to campus.
“Dunkin’ is definitely popular in Connecticut especially by campus because the drive through line is always so long and I always see familiar faces from school,” said sophomore Madison Martinos.
However, donuts will still be sold at all restaurant locations.
According to the Dunkin’ Donuts official website, “Although the word “donuts” will no longer appear in the logo or branding, donuts will remain a significant focus for the brand. As the #1 retailer of donuts in America, selling more than 2.9 billion donuts and munchkin donut hole treats annually worldwide, each Dunkin’ restaurant is required to make the most popular donuts available every day.”
