The owner of the Jimmy’s Grill chain is reportedly in talks with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store over a lawsuit claiming trademark infringement in the construction in a restaurant going up along Route 1 in Rehoboth.
The company later made changes that met the objections of the roadside restaurant giant.
The Associated Press reported that Alex Pires of Highway I Limited Partnership, said a deadline has been extended on resolving the issue that popped up after construction got underway on a Route 1, Rehoboth location for Jimmy’s.
The action was filed in federal court in Wilmington.
Jimmy’s has two other locations in Bridgeville and Dewey Beach. The new location is a short distance from a Cracker Barrel on Route 1.
Court documents included a piece from a website story that quoted Pires as saying the new Jimmy’s Grille would have a gift shop, a mainstay of Cracker Barrel, but with a different focus Another difference, according to Pires, is the serving of alcohol at Jimmy’s.
The filings also included construction photos of the newest Jimmy’s Grill that show a porch that is a common feature of Cracker Barrels.
Cracker Barrel is seeking changes to the architectural design of the building and damages.
Cracker Barrel stores feature a country southern theme with food to match as well as a gift shop and rocking chairs on the porch. The restaurants are a common site along interstate highways in resort areas like Rehoboth.
Founded in Tennessee, the publicly traded company has grown to more than 600 locations.
Jimmy’s also has a rural theme and a country-style comfort food menu. Its other locations are in Bridgeville and Dewey Beach.
Pires, a leading figure in Sussex business and legal circles, has banking and nightclub interests. He assembled the business empire during a lengthy career as a lawyer.
Pires has been in the news for his unsuccessful Senate bid against incumbent Tom Carper and for spearheading the Delaware Junction country music festival at the State Fairgrounds in Harrington.
