Firefighter's Sandwich Shop Gets Burned On Name in Wyandotte

The Hook n Ladder Deli is no more--even before officially opening in Downtown Wyandotte.

The sandwich shop and deli is now called the Axe n Ladder Deli after owner and Detroit firefighter Ted Copley changed the previous name to avoid potential time in court.

Copley, 37, of Wyandotte, said he received an email from Don Fox, chief executive officer of Firehouse Subs America, LLC, informing him of the national sub chain's trademark on the Hook & Ladder sub.

"He said that there could be trademark issues with the name," Copely said.

Unwilling to spend untold amounts of money in court to save the Hook n Ladder, Copely said he decided to change the name.

"I was not forced to change the name, but decided to in order to avoid any future issues that might arise," Copely said.

Fox said he sent Copely the email a few weeks ago informing him of the similarities between the name of the new Wyandotte sandwich shop and deli and the Firehouse Subs flagship sub--the Hook & Ladder.

He said the similarities could cause confusion during radio advertisements.

"People who may be listening on the radio, for instance, might not be able to differentiate between the two," Fox said.

Firehouse subs was created by Chris and Robin Sorensen in Jacksonville, FL.  The two grew up "in a family that is both entrepreneurial and built on decades of fire and police service," according to the restaurant website.

The major sub chain has 605 restaurants in 35 states including two in Michigan.

Happy with the new name, Fox wished Copley the best of luck.

"It was just a common courtesy to let him know about the similarities," Fox said. "I hope he has a great, great, great business."

Copely said he has checked out the new name and is confident there will be no further trademark concerns.

The Axe n Ladder is expected to open at the end of May.

Copley said he has about 25 percent of the decor completed and has already begun naming sandwiches. Each sandwich will be nicknamed after some of Copley's good friends.

Guests will be able to choose to have their sandwich on bread or in a wrap.

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