Arch Aplin III, the CEO of Buc-ee’s travel centers and gas stations, has said that the company will seek expansion in “conservative” states following a trademark infringement lawsuit it filed against an Ohio convenience store.
Arch Aplin III on Expanding in Non-Conservative States
On Wednesday, The Hill reported that Aplin, speaking at an event, touted the growth of his business. “We’re building in a lot of places,” Aplin said. However, he then said that “a conservative, business-friendly state with a phenomenal workforce” made a “difference” for his business.
“I’m starting to realize life’s too short to try to build in places that people don’t appreciate what you’re bringing,” he added. The comments come as the Texas-based company, which operates more than 50 locations across the U.S., sued a convenience store in Beavercreek, Ohio, for allegedly infringing its trademark of a beaver.
The Beaver’s Mini Mart, a small business in Beavercreek, was sued after it filed for a federal trademark, according to a report by The Hill on August 3rd, citing comments from Mayor Jeff Gore of Huber Heights, Ohio, 16 miles away from Beavercreek, where Buc-ee’s has a location.
Buc-ee’s alleged that the Beaver’s Mini Mart beaver had “wide eyes and a smile” and used red, which could “cause confusion” among customers.
The lawsuit was criticized by Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH), calling it “absurd,” according to a report by the Associated Press. The company, last year, had said it was eyeing an expansion to 70 locations across 17 states in the U.S. by 2027.
Business-Friendly Environment
Companies have regarded business-friendly environments as an important aspect, with ExxonMobil Holdings Corp (NYSE:XOM) earlier announcing it was moving its legal headquarters from New Jersey to Texas after 144 years in New Jersey. “Texas has made a noticeable effort to embrace the business community,” the company’s CEO said, hailing the state’s policy environment.
In 2024, EV giant Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) moved its incorporation from Delaware to Texas, largely triggered by a Delaware judge’s decision to rule against his multi-billion dollar CEO compensation award.
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