Crab Fries C&D: Betty’s Seafood Shack issued Cease and Desist for using the term ‘Crab Fries’ – a term trademarked by Chickie’s and Pete’s

Chickie’s and Pete’s are unhappy that Betty’s Seafood Shack in Margate, New Jersey is using the term “Crab Fries” to describe their fries which are in fact, served with crab meat and queso.

They were so unhappy, they sent their legal team after Betty’s Seafood Shack, issuing a Cease and Desist for using Crab Fries on their menu – a term trademarked by Chickie’s and Pete’s.

Betty’s Seafood Shack posted an image on Facebook of the C&D along with the conversation they had with Chickie’s and Pete’s legal department.

Betty’s Seafood Shack issued Cease and Desist for using term Crab Fries

Before we get into it, I know I’m going to upset the masses in saying that Crab Fries aren’t even good unless you’re blacked out, can’t form sentences, and on the search for literally anything to sober you up following or during a game in South Philly.

Miss me with the “You’re not from Philly if you don’t like crab fries” takes or that you have to use the “creamy cheese” and “only order them from an actual restaurant location.” They’re simply not as good as everyone makes them out to be. I wish they were too, but unfortunately they’re not.

It’s the truth and really, if we’re talking about food and Philly in the same sentence, the only two options mentioned should always been cheesesteaks and pizza.

Everything else just isn’t at that level, ya know?

Trust me, I  am 100% down for supporting Chickies and Petes. They are a Philly-based company and we have to support our own.

At the same time, being from Philadelphia also means that you’re critical and honest with your opinions. Crab Fries just don’t hit like everyone says they do and when you’re drafting up lawsuits against anyone who uses the term, that’s pretty lame too.

Dan Orlovsky thinks Crab Fries stink, and he’s absolutely correct >>

The issue here is that Chickie’s and Pete’s believe that their Crab Fries are actually good. Chickie’s uses Old Bay seasoning, calling it a “secret blend of crabby spices” and trademarked the term. I mean hell, the restaurant even has a whole website page dedicated to Crab Fries and the “history” behind them.

I really don’t understand how a trademark was issued in the first place?

• Betty’s uses lumps of crab meat and queso on their fries.
• Chickie’s and Pete’s uses a blend of crab seasoning on their fries.

Which one is more deserving of the name? Obviously, there’s one answer.

The terms “crab” and “fries” are so generic and on top of that, Chickie’s Crab Fries don’t even have crab in them. They justify it by saying that they used to season their fries with “leftover crab seasoning” – and have held a trademark for 15+ years, using it to issue C&D’s for anyone who tries to use it. It’s something they take very seriously and have sued several other businesses for using the term in the past.

In 2013, Chickie’s and Pete’s sued Pizza Shop for displaying a picture of a Crab and Fries on storefront. They also sued a restaurant in Maryland in 2011 and the Sidecar Bar in Grad Hospital. [Source]

Disgusting. Just call them Old Bay fries and be done with it. I really do hope more restaurants take more of a stance against Chickie’s and Pete’s for flexing their trademark muscles. It’s a losing battle for sure but at least it’s brought to light for the Internet Court of Public Opinion to make their final ruling.

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