New York SBDC Research Network

The use of the following words and phrases are restricted or prohibited by statute* in the name of a Business Corporation (“BC”), Not-for Profit Corporation (“N-PC”), Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) and/or Limited Partnership (“LP”): academy cooperative institute preschool acceptance cooperation insurance redevelopment "America Espirito Sport Fraternite" council investment savings annuity doctor kindergarten school arboretum education labor secondary assurance elementary lawyer state police attorney endowment library state trooper bank exchange loan surety benefit fidelity mortgage tenant relocation blind finance museum title board of trade guaranty nursery school trust casualty handicapped Olympiad underwriter chamber of commerce historical Olympic union "Citius Altius Fortius" historical society Pan-American United Nations college history Paralympiad university community renewal incorporated Paralympic urban development conservatory indemnity ...

We're members of the National Restaurant Association (though the only things we cook around here are leftovers at lunch). As such, I get emails from this organization, linking to stories that represent current trends in the industry. Today's email cited a recent story in the Providence Journal (you might - MIGHT - have to register [for free] to read this) as to the trend of naming restaurants after their location. Restaurants rely heavily on word-of-mouth, and if its name includes all or part of its address, then industry insiders feel that these owners have a great advantage. The article cautions against possible trademark infringement, as well as taking care not to create a name that sounds more like a union chapter than a place to eat. However, keep this advice in mind for your restaurant clients who are still debating what they should call their place. (NOTE: There are quotes in this piece that infer that a number-in-the-name strategy is an advantage for people who loo...