Buc-ee’s sues tiny Ohio minimart over its beaver logo
Buc-ee’s is suing a tiny minimart in Ohio over the latter business’s beaver logo – becoming the latest target of the popular chain’s lawsuits over logos.
In its lawsuit, Buc-ee’s argues that the smiling rodent cartoon logo and red branding used by Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, is too similar to its own. The lawsuit, which was filed on July 28 and obtained by The Independent, claims that customers could believe that the two businesses are linked because of the alleged similarities.
The move is the latest in a series of filings by Buc-ee’s against fellow brands featuring mascots.
Vik Boparai, who has owned the store for around a decade, says that the store’s logo has been used since it opened. He also told The Cincinnati Enquirer that other businesses in Beavercreek, which is just an hour north of the Queen City, use a beaver as their logo.
“I don’t know why they would sue a small business like mine,” he said. “I have two kids, and this store is how I feed them.”
Vik’s brother, Harry, told Dayton 24/7 Now that the family is consulting with a lawyer. He also noted that the attention surrounding the lawsuit has increased the store’s footfall, with many visiting the shop to show support.
Speaking to the local outlet, one customer claimed that the lawsuit amounted to “picking on small businesses.”
“It’s just not right to begin with,” the customer said. “They’ve been around a lot longer than Buc-ee’s has been here in Huber Heights, so I don’t understand.”
Buc-ee’s first expanded from Texas in 2018 and only opened its first Ohio store in April 2026. Harry says that his family has owned the store since 2017.
The chain is demanding that the court order Beaver’s Mini Mart to stop using any branding associated with alleged infringement. Buc-ee’s is also seeking damages and profits earned through the alleged infringement, as well as attorney fees.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money for the small business’s legal fees.
The campaign page describes the business as a “staple” in Beavercreek and a “welcoming place for neighbors to gather.”
“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,” the page continues.
The federal lawsuit was filed just days after comedian John Oliver mocked Buc-ee’s on the July 26 episode of his show Last Week Tonight.
