Question

Topic: Copywriting

Is It Ok For Someone To Take Your Restaurant Menu?

Posted by Anonymous on 9/20/2009 at 1:48 AM ET 250 Points
I bought a restaurant and the owner prior to the one I purchased it from decided to get back into the restaurant business. He opened a restaurant near mine and took my menu, almost word for word. He even gives the history of my restaurant on his menu, citing that he used to own it and is carrying on the 60 year tradition that the restaurant established.
Needless to say, customers think to two restaurants have the same owner.
This man is not nice, and plays dirty. He is also a convicted felon. Is there anything that I can do?
He is trying to run me out of business and with the economy in such turmoil, I am afraid of what will happen.
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 9/20/2009 at 12:10 PM Accepted
    Unfortunately, this is more of a legal issue than a marketing issue.
    But, I would suspect that unless he signed some kind of very long term non-compete - there is nothing you can do about what he is doing.

    My advise would be to out service and out shine him. You could perhaps change your menu to read - the origninal accept no subsitutions. Or run a series of ads that list how your restaurant is imitated but not co-owned.

    Above all, I would stick to the blocking and tackling of your industry. Good service, friendly atmosphere, connection to customers, and an occassional free desert thrown in to cement loyalty.
    If you dwell on the actions of this "crook" you will be the one with a heart attack not him.
  • Posted on 9/20/2009 at 8:46 PM Author
    Thank you both for such a quick response. I will take both suggestions. My brother recommended that I call the Attorney General's office, so I guess I will try that also.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 9/21/2009 at 8:28 AM Accepted
    How is the perception of his restaurant? If it's good (better than yours??), then the confusion that you think is in the mind of the diner may work to your benefit.
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Copywriting)