The bun fight between a local food truck company and RocoMamas has been resolved, however, there’s been another twist in the tale. As reported by IOL, a positive meeting was held between both parties on Tuesday, April 20. It is alleged that the fast food chain granted Chef and owner of Rack ’n Grill, Mohammed Kasu, permission to use its trademark “Smash Burger” name on his menu.
This comes after Kasu was slapped with a lawyer’s letter from the burger franchise on Wednesday, April 14, demanding him to stop using the name. It is alleged that RocoMamas are the registered proprietor of the “Smashburger” in South Africa. Meanwhile, Kasu has rejected a recent statement from RocoMamas saying it was published without his approval, Daily Voice reports.
@RacknGrill pic.twitter.com/v4kYsTyEuf
— RocoMamas® (@rocomamas) April 21, 2021
It is alleged that Kasu opened the Rack ‘n Grill in December on Plein Street, just metres from a RocoMamas branch, before they started operating. However, the Mandalay chef is standing his ground against the fast food giant’s bullying tactics.
Here’s our response to Rocomamas’ earlier press statement.@Jehad_Kasu @GasantAbarder @RobinAdamsZA @Ya_a_seen_Him @VOCfm @Fin24 @IOL pic.twitter.com/Su390OIQ72
— Rack ‘n Grill (@RacknGrill) April 21, 2021
Several social media users have also expressed their opinion by saying they refuse to visit any RocoMomas branch or any other franchise that is part of the Spur Group.
@rocomamas You have lost me, and anyone I can convince, as a customer forever. Like convicted US policeman Derek Chauvin, you’re a bully! And your so-called “smash” burger looks & tastes like a stale pap frikkadel anyway!
— Wildphotos & WineNotes (@darylbalfour) April 21, 2021
100% agree! This is not an apology @rocomamas this is actually an appalling excuse for an apology. https://t.co/eux84voMb3
— Lisalee Solomons❤ (@LisaLeeSolomon1) April 21, 2021
Has been ‘granted permission’? Smash burger isn’t something you invented and all your customers KNOW that, how are you so bad at this? Jeez I’m done with this brand.
— Missy_Elliott_Smith (@IHeartLungs) April 22, 2021
Picture: Unsplash