Dunkin' is dropping the 'Donuts' from its name — and people are freaking out

Name change is part of coffee chain's major rebrand

Dunkin' Donuts has announced a name change for some of its shops (Getty Images)

Dunkin' Donuts is dropping "Donuts" from its name - and fans aren't happy about it.

The Massachusetts-based coffee empire began testing the name Dunkin' at a handful of Massachusetts locations late last year, according to the Eater, Boston website.

The Dunkin' concept is part of a major rebrand that includes a new shop design, drinks like nitro infused cold brew and digital kiosks to order at. The first Dunkin' concept was opened at a location in Quincy, Massachusetts. By the end of the year, the new concept will be at 30 locations in Boston and 20 elsewhere in the US.

The Dunkin' concept isn't necessarily a permanent change. While it will be rolling out to about 50 stores, Dunkin' Donuts said in a statement that it doesn't plan to make any decisions regarding the branding until later this year.

Even though the change may not last forever, not everyone is thrilled about it, and some fans are confused.

But many people are angry about it. "They literally invented the word 'Donut'. They should keep it forever," wrote Twitter user @larocciDave.

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