Skip to Content
Tacos

Taco John’s Claims Ownership of “Taco Tuesday”

Screen Shot 2014-01-28 at 4.59.00 PM

Did you know that the Wyoming-based taco chain "Taco Johns" owns the trademark on the phrase "Taco Tuesday" in every state in the U.S.A. except for New Jersey? It's news to us, and to thousands of bars and restaurants who use the taco tuesday as a way to get patrons through the doors on what is usually a fairly slow night. Recently a place in Wisconsin, The Old Fashioned, found this out the hard way, as they got served with a Cease and Desist letter from Taco John's legal council. These plucky midwesterners have decided not to fight back, but to turn it into an opportunity to come up with a new phrase. From their Facebook page:

Taco John’s has notified us at The Old Fashioned that we are wrongfully using the name “Taco Tuesday” for our weekly special and must cease immediately. Taco John’s has a nationwide (except New Jersey) trademark on the name since 1989. We have been using this phrase since opening in 2005 and now need your help. We are putting on a contest now thru Feb. 9th to rename our Tuesday special. The individual that has the winning name will win free tacos for one year. On Feb. 18th we will be holding a taco party to reveal the new name. You may submit entrees via Facebook, Twitter, direct email (info@theoldfashioned.com) or in the restaurant. Good luck and thank you!

It seems silly that someone own "Taco Tuesday", especially when the tacos they serve are of highly dubious authenticity (photo above of the taco portion of the menu, individual shots below for your viewing pleasure). How do they decide who to enforce the trademark on, given the phrase's widespread, generic use?

food_SoftshellBeefTaco
food_CrispyBeefTaco

These are legally the only tacos you can consume and call them Taco Tuesday tacos. WTF. More info on the Wisconsin situation here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

DAILY MEMO: Lawless ‘Lawmen’ Abduct Almost 30 Working Men From Car Washes and Home Depots, Again.

On day 68 of ongoing ICE raids, nearly 30 people were abducted from car washes and Home Depots including permanent residents and workers on the job.

August 12, 2025

The Last Taco Stand in Altadena

As I cruise down one of Altadena's main arteries, it looks like a mirage. Then, like an oasis as a man stands behind a plancha, cleaver in hand. Next to him is a woman rolling out masa into thick, oblong discs. The trompo glows like a beacon in the dark.

August 12, 2025

DAILY MEMO: Masked Agents Draw Guns on Student in Front of High School, Leave Live Ammunition in the Street and More

Between August 9–11, ICE raids across Los Angeles targeted students, street vendors, and workers, with incidents including the abduction of an 18-year-old walking his dog in Van Nuys, a student detained at Arleta High School where agents dropped live ammunition, and multiple arrests at Home Depots in Cypress Park, Marina Del Rey, and North Hollywood.

August 11, 2025

Opinion: Salvadoreños In L.A. Need to Boycott the Dodgers’ Salvadoran Heritage Night

"When you have a business venture promoting ‘heritage’, you don't get history, you end up with a [money-making] scheme," says Victor Interiano.

(UPDATE) ‘I’m Deeply Sorry:’ Willy Chavarría Apologizes To Oaxaca After Backlash From Both Sides of The Border

“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” said the designer.

Protesters March to Egyptian Consulate, Accuse Government of Enabling Genocide in Gaza

The Palestinian Youth Movement organized the march, which traveled through Wilshire Blvd. and The Grove, in solidarity with other marches and protests worldwide to condemn the nation’s role in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

August 10, 2025
See all posts