Dunkin Donuts, one of the most popular coffee and donut chains in the United States, has announced that it will be changing its name to Dunkin’ Brands, effective September 9th. The company cited that the new name better represents its global reach and its commitment to quality and service.
Dunkin’ Brands has over 2,000 restaurants in 41 countries, and the name change is expected to result in an estimated $650 million in savings over the next five years. Dunkin’ Donuts has been the subject of several lawsuits alleging that the chain uses the word “donut” to refer to its products in a way that is misleading to consumers.
The company has consistently denied these allegations, arguing that the term “donut” is used generically to refer to all types of coffee and pastry products.
Dunkin’ Brands’ decision to rename itself may be seen as a sign of growing maturity by the company. The name change is also likely to be welcomed by investors, as it signifies a renewed commitment to quality and customer service.
