What About the Donuts? Going From Dunkin Donuts to Just Dunkin

Here we go again, another chain that changes its name. Remember IHOP’s incredibly smart campaign earlier this year? Well, now Dunkin Donuts is changing its name to just Dunkin. Is this really a change? This change stems from the restaurant’s desire to emphasize that it will mostly be a beverage chain. Because having Donuts in their name was limiting to just that. And since their campaign “America runs on Dunkin”…we all know that can’t be solely about donuts, so Dunkin it is. But with any change comes reaction. Just like the IHOP short lived name change, consumers don’t seem to be very happy about the Dunkin Donuts rebrand.

Dunkin Donuts Rebrand

Earlier this year IHOP announced that it would change its name to IHOb. A sensation that was puzzling to consumers all over the nation. Now it appears to be that the same thing is happening to Dunkin Donuts. However, this does not seem to be a marketing strategy, but the real process of the rebrand of the company. The Massachusetts native wants to be known as a coffee empire. So their efforts to rebrand began last year with a few store dropping Donuts from its name. This initiative also comes with other alterations. The restaurant will feature a new store design and digital kiosks in a streamlined made-to-order fashion. As well as new and broader variety of caffeinated drinks. Do we foresee a coffee war in the near future? Is Starbucks on Dunkin’s radar?

The Issues Ahead for the Rebrand

If only a rebrand effort was simple. Let’s forego signage, website, other digital media, as well as current campaigns, what are some efforts that need addressed during this process.

DD Perks

Since they are dropping Donuts from their name, that means that DD must become D. So your DD Card and your DD Perks, may be known as D Card and D Perks. Really? That could easily be misinterpreted. Did they think this through?

Dunkin Still Sells Donuts, Right?

Consumers have expressed their opinion on this matter and to them, the real concern is if Dunkin will continue to sell donuts. 

All In Strategy, Sort of

But do not despair! And believe that the chain is smarter than that. They would not NOT sell donuts and focus only on coffee. So take heart that Dunkin will keep selling their assorted variety of donuts… along with coffee, lots of coffee. Further, they mentioned that this name change will not be permanent contingent upon the success of this new brand identity. Hedging your bet much?

Loss of Strong National Brand

But this commotion in the consumers is not because they fear that the donuts will no longer be a menu item. It has more to do with nostalgia. Dunkin Donuts has been around for decades and is part of most Americans’ daily routine. So this change feels like something that we know will no longer be what we’ve always known. Did we lose you? It’s a matter of attachment and what it means to us, the consumers. We are encouraged to evolve and adapt to change. But when is it ok to not let go?

Energyhill Knows Branding

Before you decide to rebrand your business, think about what your mission is and what your services are. At Energyhill we make sure we define that from the get go. But if you ever need to rebrand your business, we know how to do that too. So don’t hesitate and contact us today and let us help your business grow.