Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles: Tasty Trademark Disputed Headed for Fast Resolution
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a trademark suit between well-known Southern California chain Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles (“Roscoe’s”) against new Chicago restaurant Rosscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles (“Rosscoe’s Chicago”) was at least partially resolved the day after it was filed when Rosscoe’sChicago agreed to change its name to Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles.
The restaurants had no affiliation with each other, but had numerous similarities, beyond just the names:
- Both use a cartoon chicken and a waffle as logos; and
- Both have drinks called "Sun Rise" and "Sunset".
Those involved in an early hearing yesterday appeared to have a sense of humor about the dispute. After the hearing, Rosscoe’s Chicago’s owner Darnell Johnson was quoted as saying “I'm happy as a chicken eating waffles." And during the hearing, Judge Der-Yeghiayan summed up the case's status this way: "I see that both parties understand the issues and facts of life and none of the parties are waffling on the issue." Roscoe’s, however, did state that it intended to pursue damages for the period before Rosscoe’s Chicago’s name change.
I don't know what happen since earlier in the spring when people were raving about this place, but let me assure you, THIS PLACE BLOWS! Here's why.
1: Their menu is based on breakfast food but they don't open until 9am.
2. Some abrasive dude with dreads sat us by the bathroom when the restraunt was virtually empty. He had no charisma, warmth, stlye or even a smile. I did not feel welcome.
3.We didn't get water until 20 minutes after being seated.
4. Both sets of silverware were dirty (this is first thing in the morning). Flatware was cheap plastic, even coffee cups.
5. I ordered coffee and got one tiny plastic mug for 1.50, no refills.
6. I ordered 1/4 white w/ waffles, the chicken was as plain as anything you would get from a high school cafateria. The waffles seems like eggo. No flavor, no interpretaion, just plain ole, plain ole. For $15 and all the hype, I expected more.
7. I could swear those were powdered eggs. The were disgusting.
8. They couldn't find any black staff to work the kitchen, in BRONZEVILLE?"
9. The only reason people seem to come is that the restraunt is located in a "food desert", meaing, they are the only game in town, with no competetion. It's a shame, the black community deserves better.
10. I can see why Roscoes didn't want their name associated with this bootleg outfit.
11. Please black people, your better off taking your hard earned money to supermarket and buying groceries then giving it to this clown. 1 breast + 1 wing+ 2 plain waffles+1 tiny cup of coffee+ two powdered eggs+ $15 AND UP.