Beaner s Coffee, a chain in East Lansing, Mich., with outlets in Toledo, will change its name Jan. 31 to Biggby Coffee, in part because its original name has a negative connotation for Hispanics.

The chain, founded in 1995, has 77 stores in Michigan, Ohio, and seven other states.

The original name is likened to bean-eater by some, and is considered disparaging to Mexicans and other Hispanics.

First Published September 17, 2007, 7:02 p.m.