They might have top-notch sandwiches and delicious snacks, but in this case social media users are arguing that Buc'ees bit off more than it could chew. They're in an uproar over the gas station's lawsuit against a small mini-mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, over its trademarked beaver.
The mega-chain that has drivers lined up for miles at some freeway exits filed a lawsuit against a mom-and-pop gas station for their name. And the David vs Goliath story has created a massive new fan base for Beaver's Mini Mart.
A GoFundMe has already raised $48,427 toward to help the small business with legal fees. The first goal of $45,000 was quickly surpassed.
This is how supporters described the situation:
"Beaver’s Mini Mart has been a staple in Beavercreek, Ohio, serving the local community with care and dedication. The owner is a hardworking member of our town, always ready to lend a hand and provide a welcoming place for neighbors to gather. Now, the mini mart is facing an unexpected challenge that threatens its future.
Bucc-ees, a large chain, has filed a lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart, claiming that the store's cartoon beaver logo infringes on its trademark. Despite the fact that the two logos look nothing alike, the mini mart is being forced to defend itself in court. Legal fees are mounting, and the risk of losing this beloved local business is real. The mini mart needs our support to stand up against this big chain and protect what makes our community unique.
We need your help to keep our small town community Beaver’s Mini Mart open. By donating, you are taking a stand with us to ensure that small mom and pop stores—like Beaver’s Mini Mart, the backbone of America—are not swallowed up by big businesses. Every contribution will go directly toward legal fees, helping the mini mart fight for its right to stay open and continue serving Beavercreek. Please join us in supporting this important cause and preserving the heart of our community."
They got so much support, in fact, that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine weighed in, calling the Buc-ee's suit "absurd" and "ridiculous." He urged them to drop it, saying it'll cost them more in consumer goodwill than they could make in money.
Beaver's Mini Mart has two weeks to respond to the lawsuit.
But fans are already speaking for them.
"Buc-ee's is terrible, and this is such an evil calculated maneuver. I'm telling everyone I know to boycott this awful corporation," Jason LaMar wrote on the GoFundMe.
Kaye Windsor was even more pointed, writing, "Consumers have power in their wallets. I have quit many of the popular big companies to spend my dollars investing in local community businesses. I guess Bu-Cees didn't learn anything from the Cracker Barrel controversy earlier this year and they didn't expect bad publicity. But that's what happens when you mess with folks in Ohio because we have Heart, yes the state is shaped like a Heart. Next they will be filing a litigation against Jerry Mathers star of the sitcom "Leave it to Beaver."
Beaver's is about 20 minutes from Buc-ee's new Huber Heights location. Buc-ee's claims that the mini mart's smiling beaver logo could confuse customers.
