Some things in life are an institution, and our favorite, long-standing fast-food joints are one of them. Fierce branding, delicious food, and an experience that we can expect and trust. But what would happen if they changed their name? Would KFC even taste like KFC if it was called something else? God forbid. Prepare yourself, you’re about to discover a few alternative names for your favorite foods! Deep breath.
Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts)
The name ‘Dunkin’ Donuts’ is carved in stone, right? The Donuts part has been removed, and they’re now known as Dunkin’. The name drop occurred in 2018 due to a focus on beverages. It’s something to do with sleeker branding, and one that captures more of a coffee focus. The doughnuts are easier to digest than the name change.
IHOP (briefly IHOb)
The masses were in an uproar when IHOP decided to change its name to IHOb. Why did they do it? It was all to do with hyping their new burgers. It was only a gimmicky short-term thing, but it sparked memes, outrage, and mass confusion. IHOP went back to what they do best—pancakes—and we’re still confused.
Boston Market (formerly Boston Chicken)
Before it was chicken everything, Boston Market was a mere Boston Chicken. The menu grew, and so did the name, and by 1995, they rebranded to reflect the meatloaf and new meaty dishes. It kind of makes sense, you can’t sell ribs if you’ve got Chicken in your name. Seems a lot of work.
Panda Express (formerly Panda Inn Express)
Do you know that mall food court icon, Panda Express? It comes from the sit down restaurant, Panda Inn. The ‘Express’ version was all about speed and convenience, and the name got shortened somewhere down the line. The full name still lives on in California, where the brand was born.
KFC (formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken)
The original Kentucky Fried Chicken tried to rebrand and sound healthier. (Cough) In a bid to dodge the ‘fried’ stigma, they chose to rebrand to KFC in 1991. Coincidentally, it also dodged a few licensing problems with the word ‘Kentucky,’ so it seemed like fate. Same recipe, just a different name. Note: We don’t believe it’s healthier, but we don’t care.
Pizza Hut (formerly Pizza Hut Italian Bistro)
Pizza Hut tried to go all upmarket in the early 2000s. Some locations were rebranded as ‘Pizza Hut Italian Bistro’, adding pasta, salads, and wine. All very posh. It didn’t go well, so they threw caution to the wind and embraced their cheesy origins. Now, it’s back to basics. No Bistro. Just a Hut.
Subway (formerly Pete’s Super Submarines)
If you’ve never heard the original name for Subway, prepare to be shocked. In a less-eatery-and-more-comic-book manner, it was called ‘Pete’s Super Submarines.’ Let that sink in. Thank the Heavens, they downsized to ‘Subway’ which is simpler, catchier, and more mass-market friendly. What we want to know is, who was Pete anyway?
A&W (formerly A&W Root Beer Drive-In)
Before it became a burger joint, A&W was a root beer stand. As locations expanded and food became part of the offering, they cut the name to just A&W. The frosty mugs stayed (yes!), but the longer title returned to nothing but nostalgia. It’s all good. A&W Root Beer Drive-In is way too much of a mouthful.
Wingstop (briefly Thighstop)
Chicken wings were in short supply in 2021, and that’s when Wingstop caught the headlines by throwing in ‘Thighstop’. The sauces were all the same; the only difference was the cut. Smart move. It was a tongue-in-cheek marketing ploy above all else, but it certainly shook things up. Crisis averted, wings returned.
Domino’s (formerly Domino’s Pizza)
Domino’s chose to drop the ‘Pizza’ part in 2012 to highlight their newer, broader menu. They were thinking more: sandwiches, pasta, and desserts. It was a big move, and it showed a smart rebranding that went beyond pizza delivery. Be honest, did you even notice that the ‘Pizza’ was missing? Nope. Nor did we.
Denny’s (formerly Danny’s Donuts)
Once upon a time, Denny’s was a little donut shop called Danny’s Donuts. It had little to no competition, so it had the foundations to grow. It became Denny’s in 1959 to avoid confusion with another chain. We’re not entirely sure who Danny is or what he has to do with anything, but we do know that it’s the greatest breakfast empire we know.
Checkers & Rally’s (formerly separate chains)
Your location will dictate whether it’s Checkers or Rally’s, but they’re both part of the same chain. They merged in the ‘90s and decided to keep both names regionally. The signs are different, but the menus are the same. All you need to concern yourself with is double drive-thru burgers, fries, and spicy seasoned Heaven in a bun.
T.G.I. Fridays (briefly Fridays)
It started with a name that was more of a mouthful than the ribs. Anyone remember ‘Thanks God it’s…?’ They saw sense and decided to opt for ‘Fridays.’ The change didn’t stick. Food fans needed something with more bite. Thankfully, they brought the full name back and kept everyone happy. Red-and-white stripes live on. So do potato skins.
Pollo Tropical (briefly PolloTrop)
It was short-lived and a ploy to work with the digital world when Pollo Tropical rebranded to PolloTrop in 2017. It didn’t go down well. Customers were confused, unhappy, and the tropical vibe got lost in translation. The chain saw sense and quickly went back to its original name. Short and sweet lost the race.
The Cheesecake Factory (technically Evelyn’s)
Get ready for some sneaky business. In Detroit, The Cheesecake Factory was originally called ‘Evelyn’s Homemade Cheesecake’. Sound a bit cottage industry? The family moved west and opened the first ‘Factory’ in Beverly Hills. The current name sounds sexy and luxurious, but guess what? It did all start in a tiny home kitchen.
