Benny's No More: Supermarket To Change Name

RICHMOND, R.I. -- A new South County supermarket will not be opening under the iconic "Benny's" name, after all, thanks to a trademark dispute. The owners said Friday that they never intended to use the logo without permission.

"We took what we thought were the proper steps to obtain the trademark of the Benny's logo. We did not misrepresent ourselves when we previously said this," Chris Menta, the store's owner, wrote on Facebook. In a now-deleted post, they said the Benny's logo had been licensed from the original owners.

"However, it was overlooked that there was a federal trademark in place," the post continued. "Our intention was never to disrespect a store that holds a place in all of our hearts but rather to pay homage to them."

To prove their point, the owners attached copies of the approved trademark paperwork filed in the state. The Providence Journal reports that the owners were sent a cease-and-desist letter by the former Benny's owners for brand infringement, saying permission was never actually given to use it.

Menta concluded the post by saying he still intends to open the store at on Kingstown Road "before Easter," though it will be under a different name.

READ MORE: Benny's Name Lives On Through New Supermarket