Asheville News

Word on the street: Asheville’s popular Papas and Beer could be forced to change its name

Jason Sandford May 17, 2011

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Success does exact a price, and in the case of the phenomenally popular Asheville restaurant chain Papas and Beer, the cost may well be a name change.

Word on the street is that the Asheville chain of Mexican restaurants may be forced to change. It’s unclear to me at this point if there’s been the threat of a lawsuit, but there’s a California-based company of the same name. I’ve gotten word a local name change could be in the works.

Papas and Beer is a giant nightclub just outside San Diego. According to the its website, Papas and Beer is also hugely successful and known as a major spring break destination (there’s more than one Callie club by the name) – just check out the videos and photo galleries of writhing, lithe co-eds.

The first area Papas and Beer opened in 2003 down in Hendersonville. It’s taken off since then, with eateries popping up all around Asheville. And they’re always slammed. Diners can’t seem to get enough.

This wouldn’t be the first time an Asheville business has gotten burned by a copyright problem regarding a name. The most recent example I can think of is the restaurant initially called Scratch down on Broadway, where Loretta’s is now. Somebody already had that name, so the owners changed it to Nova. The restaurant had other problems, it closed down not long after the name change.

More as it comes in.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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5 Comments

Michelle June 17, 2013

I was told by my server that they began in California!

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Jillpreston January 17, 2012

I talked to the ower about this the other day and he said totally different.. nothing like the papas and beer in mex.. you know what I love their food so name change or not im devoted papas and beer fan!!!

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SuckItMcGee May 18, 2011

I thought this was limited according to state, as in, I can name my restaurant anything I want, as long as there is not another business in the state of NC with the same name.

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bobaloo May 17, 2011

Their website says they're located in Mexico. Do they have an international TM on the name? This doesn't make sense.

Reply
Sean May 17, 2011

Funny, I had assumed it was the same company. They're using the same logo and everything. Doh!

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