A popular fast food chain is expanding its location in Washington, D.C., but one of the chain’s owners is reportedly fighting for his trademark.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has set up shop at the former St. Louis Stix restaurant, which closed in 2016 after more than 25 years in business.
Owner of the Stix, Michael St. Clair, is suing Chipotle and a new owners for trademark infringement.
Chipotles Mexican Grill was founded in 1996 by his father, Michael and his grandfather, Carlos, and his brothers, Carlos Jr. and Carlos Jr., according to the lawsuit.
According to the suit, the Stilcs purchased the Sticks restaurant in 1997 for $20 million, then bought the former restaurant for $15 million in 2011.
The suit said the family later sold the business to franchisee, Bodega Brands Inc., in 2014 for $25 million.
The Stilces, who also own a number of fast food franchises in the U.S., have a history of fighting trademark infringement lawsuits.
The Stix was the target of a $25,000 trademark infringement suit in 2014.
The lawsuit seeks to register the Stiles logo as a registered trademark in Washington.
St. Claire says Chipotle’s move to locate in the District is another step toward the St. Vincent de Paul International Community Center, which the lawsuit says is named for St. Stix’s family.