Eat‘n Park isn’t smiling over a St. Louis bakery producing a similarly named cookie. McArthur’s Bakery and The Pioneer Cafe in St. Louis, which employs adults with disabilities, has received a cease and desist letter from Pittsburgh-based restaurant chain Eat’n Park alleging trademark infringement — over their popular Smiley Cookies. McArthur’s owner Scott Rinaberger said Eat’n Park’s request is unjust. He founded The Smiley Face Cookie Company. “I don’t think anybody would confuse our cookies for theirs,” he said, calling the designs “perfectly imperfect” smiley faces. The Pioneer Cafe is a training facility for adults with disabilities, giving them practical experience before finding competitive employment. Through the program, the bakery created a separate brand called the Smiley Face Cookie Company to sell cookies decorated by people in the program. “We can coexist. They have their brand; they have their cookie,” Rinaberger said. “I don’t think our perfectly imperfect cookies look anything like their cookies.” And he claims that McArthur’s Bakery has been selling the cookies for many decades — even before he purchased the bakery in 2014. The original owners operated the bakery since the ’70s, he said. “Through the years, we’ve always been making them,” Rinaberger said. “As part of the Pioneer Cafe, we took that and made it a primary part of it.” On Facebook, he said he started polling former customers to see what they knew about the smiley cookies’ history at McArthur’s. “Some remembered buying them in the ’70s, some in ’80s and many in ’90s,” Rinaberger said. The cookies are now sold in 77 Schnucks supermarkets, which he explained is the local grocery store chain in the St. Louis area. These supermarkets are the only place the cookies are sold aside from the bakery, he said. Legal action Rinaberger said he received the latest cease and desist letter from Eat’n Park within the last month — but it wasn’t the first one. He said he believes the first letter was sent from Eat’n Park around 2010 before he purchased the bakery in 2014. He then personally received one in 2016 and another in 2022 before an email recently. “We’ve kind of ignored it because we feel that we’ve been making them as long as they have,” Rinaberger said. The letters from Eat’n Park have become more aggressive, he said, as the most recent email was directed to his attorneys. “I think it’s their history of aggressively pursuing the defense of their trademark has us to the point where we know it’s coming,” Rinaberger said. “At this point, it’s a decision where do we stay firm, or rebrand ourselves and move on.” Eat’n Park did not return multiple requests by TribLive for comment this week. However, it issued a statement on the matter to the Pittsburgh Business Times . “We’ve owned the Smiley Cookie trademark since we first introduced Smiley Cookies to our restaurants in the 1980s,” said Eat’n Park’s Dec 5 statement. “The defense of this trademark is a necessary step in protecting our brand so we can continue to serve our guests and the community, just as we have for the last 75 years.” Rinaberger explained that the cease and desist is all about the name and the brand — and that the cookie designs would be able to remain the same. However, defending the brand would be expensive, especially for a small business. “It would pretty much drain us,” Rinaberger said. And yet, he’s not deterred. “We’re kind of reevaluating defending ourselves over the reactions and support, especially from Pittsburgh over the weekend,” Rinaberger said, citing multiple calls and social media comments in support. “We’re not 100% going toward a rebrand after the weekend.” Rinaberger said Thursday that he set up a GoFundMe for a defense fund , with a goal of raising $25,000. No money has been donated yet as of Thursday afternoon. He said he believes that since the Smiley Face Cookie Company was a byproduct of the Pioneer Cafe, and the bakery has been making smiley cookies for decades, the bakery has a legal right to keep its branding. “Plus, there are many many bakeries making these cookies — calling them smiley cookies throughout the United States,” Rinaberger alleged. If McArthur’s ends up rebranding, he said he’s taking ideas from the public, and he’s already had more than 100 suggestions. “(We) can’t have the word smile or smiley in it, even various spellings,” Rinaberger said. For now, he said the bakery isn’t making any quick decisions on the situation yet. “We don’t feel like we need to be in a rush,” Rinaberger said.In the end, Van der Saar realized that everything is connected in the world of sports, and though the outcomes may not always be as we had hoped, the journey itself is what shapes us, molds us, and ultimately defines us. Teng Haag's results may have fallen short, but his story was far from over. And in the tapestry of sports, every thread, no matter how tangled or frayed, has a part to play in the grand design of victory and defeat.
As Zhou Changqiang embarks on this new chapter in his career, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the residents of Qionghai and leave a positive legacy in the annals of the city's history. His appointment as Secretary of the municipal party committee signals a new era of growth and progress for Qionghai, underpinned by Zhou Changqiang's vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service.On the other hand, K77 is another player who has piqued Liverpool's interest. Known for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess, K77 could provide a dynamic attacking option for the team. His arrival would add another dimension to Liverpool's already potent frontline, potentially strengthening their chances in both domestic and international competitions.
In the world of football, history is made every day as players push boundaries, break records, and pave the way for the next generation. Recently, a significant milestone was achieved as the second Chinese player after Wu Lei started a match against the formidable Atletico Madrid. This momentous occasion not only showcases the talent and determination of Chinese footballers but also signifies a new chapter in the global representation of Chinese players on the international stage. The footballing world is now abuzz with anticipation and excitement as we witness the dawn of a new era.Ferencváros, a well-established club with a rich history, will undoubtedly benefit from the addition of Naby Keita to their squad. His presence is expected to bolster their midfield and provide them with a valuable asset as they strive for success in both domestic and international competitions. The club's fans are sure to be excited by the prospect of seeing such a high-caliber player in action wearing their colors.
For individuals who have a stable financial position, a long-term investment horizon, and a genuine need for a property, the decision to buy real estate should not be solely dictated by short-term fluctuations in mortgage rates. Real estate has historically proven to be a valuable asset class that provides both shelter and potential for wealth accumulation over time. By taking a holistic view of one's financial situation, personal goals, and market conditions, buyers can make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives.
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 3, 2024 /CNW/ - China's recent decision to ban exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other high-tech materials with potential military applications in retaliation for U.S. restrictions on semiconductor-related exports, underscores the precariousness of global supply chains. This development highlights the vital role of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. China's actions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, particularly on the reliable supply of critical minerals. These materials are essential not only for technological innovation and economic growth but also for defense applications critical to national security. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.None