Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based convenience store chain, has ignited a controversy in Ohio and beyond after filing a trademark infringement lawsuit against a small business named Beaver’s Mini Mart in the city of Beavercreek. The lawsuit claims that the mini-mart’s beaver logo too closely resembles Buc-ee’s own buck-toothed beaver mascot, Bucky.
The dispute has led to public outcry, with supporters of Beaver’s Mini Mart launching online attacks, organizing boycotts of Buc-ee’s stores, and prompting the city of Beavercreek to pass a resolution declaring the beaver an official part of its local history. The hashtag #boycottbucees trended on social media platform X.
Buc-ee’s filed the lawsuit in federal court in Ohio in late July. This action came approximately four months after the chain opened its first Ohio store, a 74,000-square-foot establishment with over 100 gas pumps, located less than a half-hour's drive from Beavercreek. A second Ohio location is slated to open in 2028.
In its lawsuit, Buc-ee’s argues that it has a right to protect its "valuable" logo. The company stated it first became aware of Beaver’s Mini Mart when the owner, Vic Boparai, filed a trade name registration on October 23. The mini-mart, incorporated in 2017, officially changed its name from Hanes Road Carryout to Beaver’s Mini Mart in January 2025, about four months after Buc-ee’s began construction on its nearby store.
Buc-ee’s claims it made repeated attempts to contact Boparai to resolve the conflict but was unsuccessful, leading to the decision to sue. Boparai has since issued a statement thanking the community and the country for their support but did not directly address the merits of the lawsuit or Buc-ee's specific concerns. The Associated Press has been unable to reach Boparai for further comment.
The Buc-ee’s beaver logo depicts the face of a beaver wearing a red ball cap against a yellow background. Beaver’s Mini Mart’s mascot is a full-body depiction of a beaver, smiling and waving, set against a white background.
Customers have expressed criticism of Buc-ee’s targeting of the much smaller business. Austin Collins, a project manager from Fairborn, stated that he would not return to Buc-ee’s until the company improved its business decisions, calling the lawsuit against a business in Beavercreek "a little spiteful."
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine publicly denounced the lawsuit, describing it as "absurd." He noted the irony of the situation, stating, "It is Beavercreek, for heaven’s sake."
In solidarity with Beaver’s Mini Mart, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to help cover potential legal costs, raising at least $69,000. Local bakeries have also offered support, selling cookies featuring beaver designs with proceeds going towards the mini-mart's legal fees. Other businesses in the Dayton area have temporarily modified their own logos to include beavers as a show of support. Dozens of businesses in Beavercreek already incorporate the city's name or the word "beaver" into their branding.
This is not the first time Buc-ee’s has engaged in legal action over its branding. In February, prior to opening its first Ohio location, the company sued the holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations in northern Ohio, asserting that its "Mickey the Moose" logo could be confused with Buc-ee’s. The defendant’s response was that "A moose is not a beaver."
British comedian John Oliver also addressed the situation on his show “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” detailing Buc-ee’s history of aggressive trademark lawsuits and launching a website selling merchandise with a mock "Buc-off" logo and a squirrel mascot named Mr. Nutterbutter.