Battle for ‘Landry’ in Louisiana: Small Business in Legal Fight to Preserve Family Name

In a recent clash over trademarks, a small whisky-maker from Austin, Texas, named Landry Distillery finds itself pitted against Houston's restaurant conglomerate, Landry's Inc., led by Tilman Fertitta. The contention? The use of the name “Landry” for the distillery's bourbon products.

Zachary Landry, founder of Landry Distillery, introduced his line of bourbon in Texas and New Mexico, only to be entangled in a legal dispute when he expanded into Louisiana.

The Landry name holds sentimental value for Zachary, as he is deeply rooted in the Landry lineage. Despite being a common Cajun name in Louisiana, Landry's Inc. has filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement against the distillery.

Landry Distillery was born out of Zachary’s passion for quarter horse racing and good bourbon, a love he shared with his grandfather. As stated on the distillery's website, Zachary's inspiration in 2020 was to unite these two passions. He often presented rare bourbons to friends but was discontented with marketing that predominantly featured thoroughbreds.

His bourbons, Landry Oaks Rye and Landry Stakes Bourbon, made their debut in Austin in 2021 and are available at prominent stores such as Twin Liquors, Spec's, and Total Wine & More in the Houston area. Moreover, in a significant addition to his team, Richard Landry, a master distiller from Louisiana featured on the Discovery Channel's "Moonshiners" series, has joined Landry Distillery as its master distiller and blender.

Landry's Inc., known for its vast portfolio of restaurants, casinos, hotels, and even the Houston Rockets, suggests the distillery adopt a more distinct name. According to the Houston Chronicle, The company's executive vice president and general counsel, Steven L. Scheinthal, refrained from commenting further on the lawsuit.

However, Landry Distillery's defense in court documents emphasizes the unlikely confusion between its bourbon bottles and Landry's restaurants. The filings highlight the distinctions in marks, goods, target customers, retail outlets, and the company's genuine intention behind adopting its mark.

For those eager to taste the disputed bourbon, it can be found at various locations across Louisiana, including Aquistapace in Mandeville, Desi Vega’s Smokehouse and Tavern in New Orleans, and LaFonda’s in Lafayette, among others. Texas residents can also locate the bourbon at Twin Liquors, Specs, and Total Wine. For a comprehensive list or shipment options, interested parties can visit Landry Distillery's official website.

In the end, as the Landry Distillery works hard to establish its presence amidst legal battles, supporters like Lauren Landry Cheetham rally behind the underdog, hoping that David can indeed triumph over Goliath.