Lansdale’s Smoke Daddy’s Homegrown Barbecue will soon be undergoing a name change and re-branding effort, following the threat of a trademark filing in federal court by a restaurant with a similar name in Chicago.
“There is a restaurant group in Chicago that owns ‘The Smoke Daddy’ and has a trademark on the name and are willing to pursue legal action,” said Michael Wister, owner of Smoke Daddy’s Homegrown Barbecue, via Facebook. “So…I need a new name.”
Wister stated that Chicago’s “The Smoke Daddy” has been in business since the mid-1990’s, and now that they’re planning to sell their rubs, barbecue sauce and bloody mary mixes nationally, the ownership group is concerned that the similarity of the two names could create confusion amongst consumers. Though he said he ignored the first letter that was sent to him from the restaurant group, Wister received a second letter with a draft complaint for filing in federal court.
“While some of the claims are silly, the basis is sound: The names are too similar,” said Wister. “It seems compliance, which is generally against my nature, seems to be the best route and I’m in.”
Wister has since taken to Facebook, in an effort to solicit ideas for a new name; one which does not include “Smoke Daddy.”
“A long time ago there was a restaurant called ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken.’ Not anymore. Now it’s KFC,” said Wister. “Did you notice the transition? Ideally, that’s what I would like to see happen, a transition that is seamless and doesn’t confuse people into thinking we closed down and another place opened.”
“It still has to reflect who we are, and be similar enough that the transition doesn’t cause confusion,” Wister said. “’Joe Bob’s Country Barbecue’ would not fly.”
In addition to changing names, Smoke Daddy’s will also be dropping their “800 Miles and Back” slogan, in favor of “Crafted with Smoke and Spice.”
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