Downers Grove Pizzeria Changes Name After Giordano's Lawsuit

A Downers Grove deli and pizzeria recently changed its name after it was slapped with a trademark-infringement lawsuit by the popular restaurant chain Giordano's.

Giordano Fresh and Crispy Pizza Co., 2021 W. Ogden Ave., is now operating under the name Nick’s Fresh and Crispy Pizzeria and Subs.

On Aug. 28, attorneys for the two corporations that own the well-known Chicago pizzeria Giordano's filed a lawsuit against the Downers Grove deli, claiming its use of the name "Giordano" was "wrongful, intentional and in deliberate and knowing disregard of Giordano's exclusive ownership rights." 


The complaint stated that deli owner Nick Giordano "caused and will continue to cause confusion in the marketplace and mislead the public into believing that (the deli's) services are associated with, or connected to, Giordano's."

Giordano Fresh & Crispy was open for just two weeks before the lawsuit was filed. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian subs, pastas and pizza.

By Aug. 29, the day after the lawsuit was filed, all traces of the Giordano name and logo were removed from the deli, including the windows and menu. The owner declined to provide any further comment.

In addition to the name change, attorneys for Giordano's are seeking monetary relief totaling triple the amount of damages suffered by the company—in this case, all profits derived by the deli while using its name.

READ: Giordano's Pizza Sues Downers Grove Deli Over Name