Ohio woman buys Icebreakers Duo mints at a mini mart. Turns out the store is being sued by Buc-ee’s

‘ Everyone in there was talking about … how they hate Buc-ee’s.’

Famous gas station chain and Texas staple Buc-ee’s has reportedly become a “bully,” according to many Ohioans. The reason why? The company is suing a small mini-mart for trademark infringement. 

Katy, a woman from Ohio, said she drove out to “Beaver’s Mini-Mart” in Beavercreek, Ohio. She said in a video with more than 1,200 views that the Mini-Mart was being sued by Buc-ee’s and that customers should go to the location to support the local business. 

“I drove out to the [Beaver’s Mini-Mart] in [Beavercreek], Ohio, just to support them against the evil entity known as Buc-ee’s,” she said. “If you’re anywhere near [Beavercreek], Ohio, please go and support this TINY business against a huge tacky corporation, and don’t ever go to Buc-ee’s.”

But why is Buc-ee’s suing a small business in a Beaver-loving town? 

Why is Buc-ee’s Suing Beaver’s Mini-Mart?

Buc-ee’s, a company that was founded in Texas and has now stretched across the entire U.S. South, is suing a small mini-mart in Ohio. For many, it sounds uncharacteristic. Buc-ee’s has a relatively positive reputation and is known for its high-paying positions and Bar-B-Q.

So, why the lawsuit? Well, the answer lies in trademark applications. Beaver’s Mini-Mart reportedly filed a federal trademark application, which would have allowed them to create Beaver’s Mini-Mart locations across the country with their beaver logo. This occurred after Buc-ee’s announced a Huber Heights, Ohio, location, according to the Springfield News-Sun. It also occurred right after John Oliver poked fun at the chain for its litigious history: Buc-ee’s has previously sued other companies for the very same reason.

Arch Aplin III, Buc-ee’s CEO and co-founder, said to WHIO 7 that he took “no pleasure” in pursuing the matter. But he says the convenience store chain had to pursue the legal matter in order to protect its trademark and beaver mascot.

WHIO 7 reports that the owners of Beaver’s Mini-Mart referred to the lawsuit as unfair and vowed to contest it.

‘Buc-ees Is Ran By Cowards’

For the people of Beavercreek, Ohio, the situation reads like an underdog story. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, there are countless schools and statues in the area that feature the homely beaver, which can make the lawsuit feel targeted rather than indiscriminate. Likewise, many people believe that Buc-ee’s is bullying a small town out of celebrating its history and iconography. Beaver’s Mini-Mart had existed for years prior to the lawsuit.

Others, however, said that it’s strictly business. 

Viewers in Katy’s comments section reflected the divide. Some referred to Buc-ee’s as “Greedee’s.” Others simply stated they would boycott the business. Some viewers, however, defended the chain.

“I guess people forget how many good high paying jobs Buc-ees brought to the area…. What has the mini mart ever done to give back to the community?” one viewer asked. 

Another rebutted, “This guy think[s] they deserve to be sued for their town logo because a gas station brought more jobs to the area than the mini mart that already existed in the area?” 

AllHipHop reached out to Katy via TikTok direct message. The publication also reached out to Buc-ee’s via press email, as well as Beaver’s Mini-Mart via the store’s GoFundMe page and phone message.

@katyhatesmayo I drove out to the Beaver Creek Mini Mart in Beaver Creek Ohio just to support them against the evil entity known as Buc-ee’s. I didn’t want to take video of the people in there because it’s rude, but I will say that there were a ton of people in there, it was like a revolving door, one person should leave and another would pull right in. If you’re anywhere near Beaver Creek Ohio please go and support this TINY business against a huge tacky corporation, and don’t ever go to Buc-ee’s #bucees #controversy ♬ original sound – Katy

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