Dunkin’s original name was Open Kettle when William Rosenberg opened its first shop in 1948.
Rosenberg opened the business in Quincy, Massachusetts, selling coffee and doughnuts. In 1950, he changed the name to Dunkin’ Donuts, a name that more clearly highlighted the company’s two signature products. The brand later shortened its public name to Dunkin’ in 2019.
The company grew through franchising, allowing independent operators to run shops under a common brand and operating system. Its emphasis on coffee, doughnuts, breakfast foods, and convenience helped it become a major quick-service chain.
Open Kettle is often confused with Dunkin’ Donuts because the latter name was adopted only two years after the first shop opened. “Dunkin’” is the modern brand name, not the original one.