A settlement was reached in the High Court yesterday after it had been alleged that an Italian restaurant in Dublin had tried to seize "a piece of the action" associated with a successful existing restaurant group.
Mr Ercus Stewart SC, for Little Caesars, had claimed the owners of Big Caesars, on Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, Dublin, were attempting to pass themselves off as connected in some way with Little Caesars.
Mr Stewart, instructed by Christie and Gargan, solicitors, had said his clients had branches in Balfe Street, Chatham St and Rathfarnham in Dublin, run from Little Caesars' central warehouse and office block in South Anne's Lane. Mr Stewart said the design and decor in the group's restaurants were identical and it was hoped to franchise Little Caesars restaurants throughout the Republic. Little Caesars' director, Mr Hassan El Khouly, of Herbert Park Lane, Ballsbridge, Dublin, told the court two of his former employees, Mr Magdy Dabour and Mr Mohammed Rajeb Nasser, and brothers Mr Ali and Mr Kamal Sabra had, with Swan Taverns Ltd, set up Big Caesars, almost identical in style to his own branches.
Mr Michael Counihan SC, for Big Caesars, said there had been no attempt to copy the style, logo, design and name in order that the general public would be deceived. Following an adjournment for talks between the parties, Mr Mr Justice Butler heard a settlement had been reached. A spokesman for Big Caesars later said his company had agreed to a change of name but would continue trading at Rathfarnham Road, Terenure.