Burger King lawsuit forces Spring Valley restaurant to drop 'King' name, hamburgers
Jumbo Burger owner says she will keep operating while following court restrictions tied to a non-compete agreement with Burger King.
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A Spring Valley restaurant is making major changes after Burger King filed a civil case earlier this month against its owner.
Ranjana Jethwa, owner of Jumbo King Burger, which is now named Jumbo Burger, said the legal dispute stems from her previous relationship with the fast-food chain.
Jethwa is the longtime owner of the former Burger King location.
As part of the legal action, Jethwa said she can no longer use the word “King” and is prohibited from selling hamburgers for one year.
According to Jethwa, who spoke with News 12 from India, Burger King cited a non-compete clause in the contract.
“They're like a self-proclaimed behemoth with like 15,000 locations worldwide. Then why are you intimidated by little old me?” Jethwa asked.
Despite the restrictions, Jethwa says she is determined to continue operating her business.
“No matter what it takes, we are going to succeed. All the way to 'Shark Tank.' That is the goal,” she said.
The changes affect all three of Jethwa’s restaurant locations. There are two in New Jersey.
An attorney familiar with these types of cases says courts will consider the interests of both parties when evaluating non-compete disputes.
“The court is looking to balance,” said attorney Patricia Szobonya, who is also a professor at Rockland Community College. “To protect the one who just provided you with all the knowledge. And then for the person who also received all the knowledge, they don't want them to be obstructed from ever working again.”
Customers visiting the Spring Valley restaurant will now find a menu consisting mostly of chicken, along with the same employees who have worked there for years.
News 12 reached out to Burger King for comment and is waiting to hear back.
