Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee's is facing growing criticism in Ohio after suing a small mini mart in Beavercreek over its beaver logo.
The lawsuit has sparked an online backlash, calls for a boycott and even support from comedian John Oliver, who highlighted Buc-ee's history of defending its trademark against businesses using animal-themed logos.
Buc-ee's sued Beaver's Mini Mart in federal court in Ohio in late July, arguing that the shop's beaver logo is too similar to its well-known Buc-ee, or "Bucky," mascot. The company is seeking a jury trial.
The dispute began about four months after Buc-ee's opened its first Ohio location near Dayton. The 74,000-square-foot store has more than 100 fuel pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers and 700 parking spaces.
Buc-ee's says it has a responsibility to protect its trademark. The company said it first became aware of Beaver's Mini Mart after owner Vic Boparai registered the business name in October. The store, originally known as Hanes Road Carryout, changed its name to Beaver's Mini Mart in January 2025.
According to Buc-ee's, it repeatedly tried to contact Boparai about the alleged trademark conflict but was unable to reach him, leaving the company with no option but to file a lawsuit.
Boparai thanked supporters but did not directly respond to Buc-ee's allegations.
"We want to say thank you to the community and the entire country for supporting us and our business," he said.
The dispute has attracted widespread support for the small business. Customers have criticized Buc-ee's for taking legal action against a much smaller store.
"I love Buc-ee's, but I don't plan on going back until they start making better business decisions," said Austin Collins, a 32-year-old project manager from Fairborn, during a visit to Beaver's Mini Mart to protest the lawsuit.
Beavercreek backs its beaver
The Beavercreek City Council joined the response by unanimously passing a resolution on Aug. 10 recognizing the beaver as an official and permanent part of the city's more than 200-year history.
Social media users have also mocked the dispute, with one image showing Ohio State University's Brutus Buckeye mascot tackling Buc-ee's beaver.
A GoFundMe campaign created to help Beaver's Mini Mart cover its legal costs had raised at least $69,000. Local businesses have also offered support by selling beaver-themed cookies and donating part of the proceeds toward the store's legal expenses.
Several Dayton-area businesses, including a Lego store and a root beer shop, temporarily changed their logos to include beavers in solidarity with the mini mart.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who attended the opening of the Dayton-area Buc-ee's store in April, also criticized the lawsuit.
"It is Beavercreek, for heaven's sake," DeWine told reporters, calling the legal action "absurd."