There has been talk in town for some time in Tampa about a new restaurant coming to Seminole Heights called Florida Avenue Eats. The restaurant is owned by Greg Spadaccini of Spaddy’s Coffee Co., a popular coffee truck in the area. The restaurant was recently sued by Brew Bus Brewing for trademark infringement of their brand Florida Ave. Brewing, just 4 days after their grand opening.
Spadaccini has made a GoFundMe to help with legal funds. The statement on the GoFundMe reads:
“My name is Greg Spadaccini and I need your help to raise funds for legal representation. I am the owner and operator of Spaddy’s Coffee Co. in Seminole Heights and in April of 2019 I decided to launch Florida Avenue Eats. It’s a fast casual restaurant serving bowls, wraps, and salads. 4 days after our grand opening, I was served at 6:30am with a summons to appear in civil federal court from Brew Bus Brewing for trademark infringement of their brand Florida Avenue Brewing. Florida Avenue is a public road, one of Tampa’s longest stretching business roads, and the road we operate business on.
Adding the name “Florida Avenue” to the name of a business is not in any way unique and should not prohibit business owners like myself from operating under that naming convention.
Not only are they taking legal action against my business Florida Avenue Eats, but they have decided sue me personally.
With a newborn at home and incurring the recent expenses of a new restaurant buildout, I simply do not have the funds to personally protect myself and my family legally.
I am asking my community for support to help facilitate funds for legal representation. Anything counts, I will be forever grateful for your support.
Best wishes,
Greg “Spaddy” Spadaccini”
GoFundMe link: http://www.gofundme.com/f/legal-aid-for-spaddy
Some comments for local businesses:
The owner of Brew Bus Brewing and Florida Ave. Brewing has released a statement:
