BJ's Restaurants, Inc. originally opened its doors as BJ's Chicago Pizzeria. While this was the name under which it first operated, its founders had initially conceived a different name.
When the restaurant was founded in 1978 by Jim Kozen and Leonard Allenstein in Santa Ana, California, the very first name considered was BJ Grunts. However, this name faced a federal trademark conflict with an existing Chicago-based hamburger restaurant called RJ Grunts. Due to this conflict, the founders had to change their plans, leading to the establishment of the first location as BJ's Chicago Pizzeria.
Evolution of the Name
The journey from its initial concept to its current branding reflects the growth and adaptation of the restaurant chain.
- Initial Concept: BJ Grunts
- First Operating Name: BJ's Chicago Pizzeria
- Current Brand: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (or similar variations for its different concepts like BJ's Pizza & Grill)
Below is a summary of the key facts regarding the restaurant's early naming:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1978 |
| Founders | Jim Kozen and Leonard Allenstein |
| Original Location | Santa Ana, California |
| Initial Intended Name | BJ Grunts |
| Reason for Change | Federal trademark conflict with RJ Grunts, a Chicago-based hamburger restaurant. |
| First Operating Name | BJ's Chicago Pizzeria |
This change from an initially intended name to its operational name ensured that the new restaurant could begin serving customers without legal complications, setting the stage for its eventual expansion into the well-known chain it is today.
For more detailed information on the company's history, you can refer to the BJ's Restaurants Wikipedia page.
