Texas-based Buc-ee's has sparked backlash in Ohio after suing Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek over its beaver logo, drawing criticism from locals and even a British comedian. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Buc-ee's, known for its buck-toothed beaver mascot, has a history of trademark lawsuits against various woodland creatures, including a lip-licking alligator, a smiling moose, and a hat-wearing bear. Now, the chain has set its sights on a beaver in the city of Beavercreek.
Supporters of Beaver's Mini Mart have attacked Buc-ee's online and boycotted its stores. The city of Beavercreek passed a resolution making the beaver an official part of its history. British comedian John Oliver also weighed in on the dispute, detailing Buc-ee's aggressive trademark history on his show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" and launching a website selling merchandise with a knockoff "Buc-off" logo and a squirrel mascot named Mr. Nutterbutter. The hashtag #boycottbucees trended on X.
Buc-ee's sued Beaver's Mini Mart in late July, four months after opening its first Ohio store less than a half-hour's drive away. The company argues that the shop's beaver logo too closely resembles its branded Buc-ee beaver. Buc-ee's requested a jury trial in federal court in Ohio.
Beaver's Mini Mart occupies a long, low building with a shingle roof at a suburban intersection. In contrast, the new 74,000-square-foot (6,875-square-meter) Buc-ee's off Interstate 70 near Dayton has more than 100 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers, and 700 parking spaces. A second Ohio store has been approved to open in 2028.
While preparing to enter the state in February, Buc-ee's sued the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations, arguing its Mickey the Moose logo could be confused with Buc-ee. The company's response: "A moose is not a beaver."