Grand Rapids-based HopCat is changing the name of its legendary Crack Fries over sensitivities to its connection to crack cocaine.

Mark Gray, CEO of parent company BarFly Ventures LLC, made the announcement Monday on the HopCat website.

"Rest assured, the recipe and ingredients are not changing, only the name," Gray said.

"We chose the name more than 11 years ago as a reference to the addictive quality of the fries and their cracked pepper seasoning, without consideration for those the drug negatively affected. We were wrong. The crack epidemic and the lasting impact on those it affects is not funny and never was."

A new name for the fries was not disclosed. A companywide menu reprint in mid-January will reflect the change, Gray said.

Gray thanked HopCat's customers, employees and community members for bringing the issue to the attention of the company.

"We are grateful for the support we've received over the years and your love of our fries," Gray said. "While we know it will take time to get used to this change, we are confident in our decision. It is not only the right thing to do, it reflects who we are."

HopCat has 17 locations, including in Detroit, Royal Oak and Ann Arbor.