In case you somehow missed the news, Dunkin’ Donuts as we know it is no more.
Don’t worry, the beloved Massachusetts-based chain isn’t going anywhere. It announced that it’s officially dropping the “Donuts” (from the name, not the menu) and going by just Dunkin.
Bostonians shouldn’t be so shocked at the name change, since the company did test it out locally first before unrolling it nationwide. Still, the coffee shop formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts has been a staple here for decades, so naturally, New Englanders had some specific thoughts about the news.
‘Dunkin’ is the new ‘IHOb’
— ALT 92.9 Boston (@ALT929boston) September 26, 2018
Biggest political controversy to hit Boston in years. https://t.co/MhH3Yv4Zqf
— Joseph Brown (@Joseph_M_Brown) September 25, 2018
Some New Englanders reacted to the shortened name not because they want to keep the original, full “Dunkin’ Donuts” name, but because they’ve already been shortening the name themselves for years.
True Boston residents know it’s actually called “Dunkies” as in “Hey Sully, could you grab me a regulah coffee from Dunkies? Thanks, bro!” https://t.co/5t9N6Cokzo
— Willard Simmons (@dxsimmons) September 26, 2018
when’s dunkin gonna credit all of new england for coming up with their new name for them
— marykate ? (@marykateem) September 26, 2018
@dunkindonuts is officially changing it’s name to “Dunkin”. Then eventually it’ll be changed to “Dunkies” and then just “Dunks”. After that it will finally succumb to a new (and even shorter) nickname us townies refer to it as and it’ll just and fade into the ether. 😛
— DayGloDisastah (@JaydelStembleen) September 25, 2018
Half of New England has been one step ahead of this for years. “Hey, I saw Sully at Dunkin’s yesterday. No, the one near Kelly’s. He just left Cumby’s to go work at Kappy’s. Yah, I know, wicked pissah, bro– discount on ‘Gansetts!” https://t.co/xrtQbR0cRT
— Kiffa (@kiffa_kitmouse) September 26, 2018
Of course, since America runs on Dunkin’, people from all over jumped into the conversation about the name change. Here’s a look at some other jokes in the wake of the news.
Dunkin’ Donuts is dropping the “Donuts” from its name. They can drop them right off at my house, thanks!
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) September 26, 2018
The year is 2050 and Dunkin’ rebrands to just ? because we no longer use words.
— David Harris (@davharris) September 25, 2018
dunkin really came, changed the spelling of “doughnuts” forever, and left
— kyle (@qriffis) September 25, 2018
Come on. Dunkin’, you had 2 words in your name and you’re dropping the more appealing one?
— J. Elvis Weinstein (@JElvisWeinstein) September 25, 2018
To be fair, the only reasonable thing to call “Dunkin Donuts” is “You Know, the Place We Have to Go to Because There Isn’t a Krispy Kreme Near Here.”
— Sonny Bunch (@SonnyBunch) September 25, 2018
Please, Mr. Donuts is my father. Call me Dunkin’. https://t.co/zzcAZpYXsn
— alexis nedd (@alexisthenedd) September 25, 2018
1950: Dunkin’ Donuts
2018: Dunkin’
2022: The Donut Formerly Known as Dunkin’
2023: Dunk Lion
2024: Dunk Diddy
2025: Dunk “Dunky” Combs
2026: Dunk Cougar Donutcamp
2027: Yusuf Islam
— Shaun Connolly (@scornedstanding) September 25, 2018
Dunkin’ CMO explains the name change
The folks at Dunkin’ explained that the new name is “simpler, shorter and more modern,” and alludes to the variety of their offerings, beyond the doughnut. There’s also another, even shorter version, “DNKN'” that will appear on some packaging.
“For almost 70 years, America has been running on Dunkin’,” Tony Weisman, Dunkin’ Chief Marketing Officer, explained in a blog post. “During that time we have built a strong relationship with our guests – a relationship similar to the ones people have with their friends. It’s time we take our relationship with our guests to the next level. We’re now moving to a first-name basis with America! And, as a matter of fact, with the world.”
The new moniker will appear on Dunkin’ packaging, advertising, website and social media channels beginning in January 2019. All new and remodeled Dunkin’ Donuts locations will get the new Dunkin’ logo on their signage, as well.
