Restaurant May Have to Prepare New Name

City Bar & Grill co-owner had no idea there was another City Bar restaurant when he and his business partner named their Vinnin Square business last year.

"We weren't attempting to do anything against City Bar, we didn't know it (existed)," he said.

They found out about the other restaurant, in Boston, after representatives of the establishment's parent group, the Briar Group, made their displeasure known, and filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming trademark infringement.

The Briar Group claims that the Swampscott restaurant took the similar sounding name as a way to boost business.

Shnayder says he is willing to change his restaurant's name but the case is under negotiation and nothing has been decided.

The funny thing was the state of Massachusetts approved the name for the Swampscott restaurant, said Shnayder, also the owner of Silver Star Motors car dealership in Swampscott.

But the Briar Group is bringing its lawsuit forward in federal court, he said.

Shnayder said the service, food and atmosphere at his new restaurant will retain its original flavor whether the name changes or not.