Starbucks wins lawsuit: That cafe in Balıkesir is changing its name

The Balbucks brand, owned by the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, which gained significant popularity in a short time, has entered a rebranding process. Following the international coffee chain Starbucks' victory in a trademark registration lawsuit, the name of Balbucks has been changed to ONON.

The new name change has allowed the brand, which has been popular as Balbucks since its inception, to continue its journey with a new identity. The name ONON, which is thought to be inspired by the slogan "A 10-out-of-10 mayor for a 10-out-of-10 city" used by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın during his election campaign, will be the face of the brand in its new era.

The first sign change was carried out at the cafe in Zağnos Paşa Square, which is the central branch of Balbucks. The Balbucks signs were removed and replaced with ONON signs. This change, which began with the central branch, will be implemented in other branches such as Edremit in a short time.

SLOGAN: 'A 10-OUT-OF-10 CAFE FOR A 10-OUT-OF-10 CITY'

It is estimated that the new brand's slogan will be “A 10-out-of-10 cafe for a 10-out-of-10 city.” With this change in name and slogan, the people of Balıkesir will continue to receive service under the name ONON. By rebranding as ONON, Balbucks aims to maintain its popularity in the city with the support of the metropolitan municipality.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

Former Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Yücel Yılmaz explains the founding story of Balbucks on Armağan Çağlayan's YouTube program, where he was a guest, as follows:

"One day when I was meeting with our young friends, I said I would treat you all to coffee. Our young friends said they wanted it from Starbucks. I said okay. I immediately gave them my credit card and said, 'Go ahead.' We got our coffees, the prices are incredible. I said, 'Did we buy something else?' I said, 'So, it means our youth want this coffee. We need to do something.' The expansion of Balbucks is; Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality National Tea and Coffee Service. We have applied for the patent, and hopefully, it will be approved."

After 1 year, the patent application was rejected and Starbucks won the case. Following the lawsuit, Balbucks became ONON.