Update 7/10: It appears that Stubb's Bar-B-Q will be changing its name to Liberty Lunch, a name that holds some weight in Austin history. Liberty Lunch was a popular live music venue that shuttered in 1999; a mixed-used complex is now in its place. Stubb's Austin Restaurant Co. filed to reserve the name on Friday.
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Original article below.
Change is always difficult, but having to suddenly call one of your favorite Austin institutions by another name? That's rough.
According to the Austin Business Journal, Stubb's Bar-B-Q—the Red River mainstay that has been slinging BBQ and hosting shows since the mid-’90s—will be changing its name to settle a lawsuit filed two years ago. We know. We know. Deep breaths.
It's a confusing story, so bear with us. In 2015, One World Foods Inc.—which makes Stubb's brand barbecue sauce—sued Stubb's Austin Restaurant Co. (the restaurant and music venue). It took issue with subsequent Stubb's Bar-B-Q restaurants that had opened at Graceland Grocery and next to Lala's Little Nugget, apparently defying an oral agreement in 1996 between the two corporations regarding how the Stubb's name could be used. The settlement was reached on Thursday, giving One World Foods (and McCormick & Co. Inc., which bought One World Foods in 2015) exclusive rights to use the Stubb's name and trademark.
Stubb's Bar-B-Q was originally opened in 1968 in Lubbock by C.B. "Stubb" Stubblefield, a restaurant that was also a huge proponent of local, live music. After the original spot closed in the early ’80s, Stubblefield relocated to Austin where he began selling BBQ at Antone's. One World Foods bought the Stubb's brand in 1991; Stubblefield died in 1995.
One World Foods released a statement saying ""Austin is the home of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q products. We intend to explore new restaurant opportunities and hope to return the Stubb’s brand to an Austin location in the future. The brand’s heritage is tied to the city and the company’s headquarters will continue in Austin."
As for Stubb's Bar-B-Q, it's not clear what their new name will be. Any suggestions, folks?
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