Federal Judge Edgardo Ramos Grants Don Coqui Restaurant Group Major Victory Preventing Eleftheria Restaurant Owner "Jimmy The Greek" (Demetrios Mitsios) From Operating Don Coqui Restaurant In Astoria

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, Privado Marketing Group LLC, DC 115 Cedar NR, LLC and Don Coqui Holding Company, LLC (collectively, "Don Coqui") commenced a lawsuit against Eleftheria Restaurant Corp. alleging trademark infringement by Eleftheria of Don Coqui's trademarks and name in connection with Eleftheria's operation of its restaurant in Astoria, Queens.

Recently, US Federal District Court (S.D.N.Y.) Judge Edgardo Ramos dismissed all of Eleftheria's counterclaims against Don Coqui relating to the ownership and use of trademarks associated with "Don Coqui." Eleftheria alleged in its counterclaims that Don Coqui was not the proper legal owner of the trademarks and that Eleftheria had rights in and to the Don Coqui trademark. The Court did not agree, holding that, "the pleadings are entirely devoid of factual allegations tending to render [Eleftheria's] use claims plausible."  This decision paves the way for Don Coqui to obtain a judgment from the Court to prevent Eleftheria from using the name "Don Coqui" as well as to seek both compensatory and punitive damages for Eleftheria's blatant illegal use of the "Don Coqui" name.

Don Coqui is a family restaurant serving Puerto Rican cuisine and Classic American staples, and the concept of well-known Restaurateur Jimmy Rodriguez.  The family now owns and operate three Don Coqui restaurants in The Bronx (City Island), New Rochelle and White Plains. Mr. Rodriguez began his restaurant career over 2 decades ago, which he now continues with his children Jaleene, Jewelle and Jimmy Jr., who are all involved in the restaurant operations.

Mr. Rodriguez said of the decision, "I am thrilled that the counterclaims have been dismissed, which now allows me to seek both a cease and desist against Eleftheria to stop using the "Don Coqui" name, as well as pursue my damage claims against Eleftheria.  Their use of the name "Don Coqui" has caused ongoing damages to its reputation and the value of the restaurants. I look forward to the day when those damages will be addressed. The concept of Don Coqui is the result of my years in the restaurant business and a legacy to my children, and our patrons can only find the real Don Coqui restaurants online via doncoqui.tv, and not doncoqui.com. So if you are looking to EAT. DRINK. PARTY a la Don Coqui, please visit us in New Rochelle, White Plains or The Bronx (City Island) locations. Mi casa es su casa." 

About Don Coqui

"Don Coqui Restaurant and lounge is more than just recipes, signature drinks and great ambiance, it represents several generations of 'Dons' and 'Doñas' who have paved the way for us," continued Jimmy Rodriguez. "My father, Jimmy Rodriguez Sr., started this exciting journey selling seafood under a bridge in The Bronx. My children and me are continuing his legacy, and love for people and food, into some of the most successful dining experiences in New York City. Through the years we've established such marquee brands as: Marisco Del Caribe, Jimmy's Bronx Café, Jimmy's Uptown, Jimmy's City Island and Sofrito. The Don Coqui Restaurant and Lounge in New Rochelle, White Plains and The Bronx (City Island) are the leading places for purely genuine Puerto Rican Cuisine, Hot Hot Hot Salsa and Live DJ music for dancing or simply listening. On all 3 venues our patrons can enjoy our different types of menus, consisting of dinner, signature drinks and our party menu. Now that this copyright and trademark infringement is behind us, we can concentrate to continue sharing our family's recipes and cultural treasures with our valued and loyal guests."

For reservations at a Don Coqui in White Plains, New Rochelle or City Island, call: 914-648-4848

New Rochelle: 115 Cedar St. New Rochelle, NY 10801

White Plains: 107 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains, NY 10601

The Bronx: 565 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464

For more information call

Rodd Rodriguez at: 917-359-1818

SOURCE Don Coqui