By In a surprising move, Taco John’s has decided to abandon its long-held trademark on “Taco Tuesday.” The Cheyenne, Wyo.-based restaurant chain, which has owned the trademark since 1989 in all states except New Jersey, made the announcement on a Tuesday, adding a touch of irony to the decision. The move comes after Taco Bell filed a petition in May to cancel the trademark, claiming that the term is generic and should be free for any restaurant to use.
Taco John’s CEO, Jim Creel, explained the reasoning behind the decision, stating, “We’ve always been proud of our association with Taco Tuesday, but spending millions of dollars on legal battles just doesn’t align with our values. We prefer to be lovers, not fighters.”
With almost 400 restaurants spread across 23 states, Taco John’s has been vigilant about protecting its trademark, previously sending out cease-and-desist letters to any restaurants that used the phrase. However, the company seems to have had a change of heart and is now willing to let go of their legal hold on the term.
The battle over “Taco Tuesday” gained significant attention when Taco Bell, owned by fast food giant Yum! Brands, joined the fight. The company even enlisted NBA star LeBron James for an advertisement calling for the liberation of Taco Tuesday. Their Change.org petition received an astounding 25,000 signatures in support of freeing the term.
As of now, Taco Bell’s petition remains pending, and it is unclear how this recent development will impact the outcome. However, with Taco John’s voluntarily relinquishing their trademark, it seems likely that Taco Bell’s campaign may succeed.
In conclusion, “Taco Tuesday” is no longer exclusively associated with Taco John’s. It has become a widely recognized term for enjoying Tex-Mex delicacies across the country. The decision by Taco John’s to abandon its trademark showcases a surprising shift in the dynamics of the fast-food industry, highlighting the power of public opinion.
Taco John’s Challenges Taco Bell and Other Competitors
In a surprising move, Taco John’s has decided to call it quits on their longstanding battle against Taco Bell. This unexpected decision paves the way for any restaurant outside of New Jersey to use their name. However, Taco John’s isn’t finished with challenging its competitors just yet.
As a way of giving back to the community, Taco John’s plans to donate $40,000 in total, which translates to $100 for each of its restaurants. The beneficiary of this generous donation is Children of Restaurant Employees, a national nonprofit organization that supports restaurant industry employees with children facing health crises, death, or natural disasters.
With this act, Taco John’s is challenging not only their litigious competitors, but also other taco-loving brands to join them in supporting the hardworking people who serve delicious food to guests across the nation. CEO Creel encourages these brands to take up the $100-per-restaurant pledge and make a difference. He even calls upon Taco Bell to liberate itself from its army of lawyers and contribute to restaurant families. Creel estimates that if Taco Bell were to participate, it could result in a substantial $720,000 donation.
At the time of writing, Taco Bell could not be reached for comment regarding this challenge. However, Taco John’s is not stopping there. They have extended their invitation to other major players in the taco industry, such as Del Taco, Taco Bueno, Taco Cabana, and Jack in the Box. Additionally, they are urging mom-and-pop taco shops that promote Taco Tuesday to contribute as well. As an extra incentive, they encourage James (presumably a Taco Bell representative) to donate whatever he earns from Taco Bell’s Taco Tuesday promotion to the cause.
Interestingly, Gregory’s Bar takes credit for serving their first tacos on a Tuesday night in 1979 and acquiring the trademark for Taco Tuesday in 1982. This tidbit adds a touch of history and authenticity to the ongoing taco battle.
In conclusion, Taco John’s is challenging its rivals to step up and support restaurant families in need. By setting an example with their own donation, Taco John’s hopes to inspire others in the industry to do the same. The ball is now in the court of Taco Bell and its competitors, who must decide whether they are willing to prioritize generosity over litigation.
Comments