Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee’s has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit in Ohio against Beaver’s Mini Mart, a small family-owned store located in Beavercreek, Ohio (AP News). Buc-ee’s opened its first Ohio travel center location in Huber Heights in April, situated less than a half-hour drive from the mini mart (AP News, Dayton Daily News). The sprawling 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s features more than 100 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers, and 700 parking spaces, while Beaver’s Mini Mart occupies a long, low building at a suburban intersection without gas pumps (AP News, Whiskey Riff).
Trademark Lawsuit Sparks Community Backlash in Ohio
Buc-ee’s argues that the shop’s beaver branding, use of the word “Beaver’s,” and predominantly red color scheme too closely resemble the company’s famous buck-toothed beaver mascot, known as Bucky (AP News, Dayton Daily News). The Texas corporation requested a jury trial in federal court (AP News). According to public records and statements, Beaver’s Mini Mart was incorporated in 2017 and operated as Hanes Road Carryout before changing its name in January 2025, with store signage dating back at least as far as 2019 (AP News, Dayton Daily News). Owner Vic Boparai filed a trade name registration for the business on October 23 (AP News).
Local Backlash and Political Outcry
The legal action has triggered widespread local and national pushback, including online boycotts and the trending hashtag #boycottbucees on X (AP News). Prominent Ohio officials have publicly criticized the litigation. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine told the Dayton Daily News that Buc-ee’s should drop the case, calling it “ridiculous” given that the business is located in Beavercreek (Dayton Daily News). State Representative Brian Lampton similarly questioned whether the massive chain intended to target local schools and other beaver-themed entities in the area (Dayton Daily News). Additionally, the city of Beavercreek passed a resolution establishing the beaver as an official part of its local history (AP News).
The controversy also drew attention from British comedian John Oliver on an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,
which highlighted Buc-ee’s history of targeting woodland creature mascots with lawsuits and introduced a satirical “Buc-off” squirrel logo (AP News).
Grassroots Support and Fundraising Efforts
Community members and local businesses have rallied around Beaver’s Mini Mart to help absorb legal defense costs. A GoFundMe campaign established for the store surpassed $74,000 by August 19 (Dayton Daily News). Local establishments have also pitched in; Cake Hope and Love, a Beavercreek bakery, sold beaver-themed cookies to benefit the mini mart, while The Original Goodie Shop bakery in Upper Arlington secured permission to sell signature cookies with a portion of the proceeds designated for the store’s legal fees (AP News, Dayton Daily News).
The dispute marks the second time in 2026 that Buc-ee’s has targeted an Ohio animal trademark ahead of its market entry, having previously sued a northern Ohio holding company over the Mickey the Moose logo used by Mickey Mart gas stations (AP News). Buc-ee’s maintains that it is simply protecting its valuable intellectual property, while the mini mart’s supporters argue the litigation unfairly penalizes a small neighborhood enterprise (AP News, Dayton Daily News).
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.