‘Taco Tuesday’ can be used by all after restaurant cancels trademark

The famous phrase “Taco Tuesday” is now free to be used by any restaurant in any state, thanks to Taco Bell. In May of 2023, the fast-food chain filed legal petitions to cancel the two “Taco Tuesday” trademark registrations in the country that covered all 50 states.

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In July 2023, the smaller regional chain Taco John abandoned its trademark registration of the phrase in 49 states, which it had owned since 1989.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being the home of Taco Tuesday, but paying millions of dollars to lawyers to defend our mark just doesn’t feel like the right thing to do,” said Taco John’s CEO Jim Creel in a July statement. 

But there was still one holdout, a local joint, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point, New Jersey. Gregory’s owned its “Taco Tuesday” trademark for over 30 years until Tuesday, Oct. 24, when Taco Bell announced the New Jersey restaurant had relinquished its trademark.

“Taco Bell wants everyone to have the opportunity to celebrate Taco Tuesday, including Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar,” said Sean Tresvant, Taco Bell’s Chief Global Brand and Strategy Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to Gregory’s choice to relinquish the trademark registration, New Jersey businesses and fans can fully enjoy Taco Tuesday, effective immediately.”

Now, restaurants across the country can use the popular phrase to promote their business without fear of legal retribution.

With the trademark canceled in all 50 states, Taco Bell said “Taco Tuesday” now “officially belongs to all who make, sell, eat, and celebrate tacos.”