CHICAGO — A fiery legal clash is unfolding between two barbecue titans—Chicago’s iconic Smoque BBQ and suburban grill giant Weber Grills—over a name that both believe defines their smoke-infused brands.
The conflict began when Weber launched its new pellet smoker under the name “Weber Smoque,” raising alarm bells for Smoque BBQ owner Barry Sorkin, who has built his North Side eatery into one of the city’s most respected destinations for brisket and ribs since opening in 2006.
“It didn’t feel accidental,” Sorkin said in an interview with Eater Chicago. “We’ve been around a long time, and we’re active in the barbecue community.”
Trademark Dispute Heats Up
Smoque BBQ registered the “Smoque” name soon after opening and has sent cease-and-desist letters in the past to smaller entities, usually with little drama. But Weber’s entry into the market with a smoker bearing the same name is a bigger battle—and a potential branding nightmare.
Sorkin fears consumers might falsely believe the two businesses are connected, especially when his barbecue sauces appear on shelves near Weber’s pellet smokers, priced at $799 to $999. The visual overlap could blur the lines between a small-batch artisan brand and a corporate grill product.
The Smoque team issued a cease-and-desist letter to Weber in January. While Sorkin insists he has no issue with pellet smokers in general, he believes the name overlap could jeopardize his restaurant’s reputation and hard-earned identity.
Weber’s Response: No Violation
In a response shared with Smoque’s attorneys in February, Weber denied any trademark violation, asserting the company does not operate restaurants under the “Weber Smoque” name and that its grills are clearly distinct from restaurant services.
Weber argued that barbecue equipment buyers make informed, high-ticket decisions unlikely to be confused with dining at a local eatery. Furthermore, the company noted that “Smoque” is simply a stylized form of “smoke,” a term commonly associated with barbecue.
Still, Sorkin remains unconvinced.
“It’s about protecting what we’ve built,” he told Eater. “It’s about our community, our name, and our identity.”
Support Grows for Smoque’s Fight
Sorkin’s team has filed a federal trademark complaint and is awaiting a ruling expected in early July. Meanwhile, the restaurant has launched a petition in hopes of rallying community and customer support. As of this week, over 380 people have signed it.
“If they’re looking for a nice, professional—but assertive—way to make their voices heard, we’d love to have them sign,” Sorkin added.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Sorkin said he isn’t calling for a boycott of Weber, nor is he discouraging customers from buying their grills. His aim is simply to safeguard the brand his team has spent nearly two decades building.
Brand Legacy on the Line
Smoque BBQ has long been a mainstay of Chicago’s barbecue scene and a staple at events like the Windy City Smokeout, a festival where Weber’s own “Grill Master,” Kevin Kolman, is also a frequent attendee.
With Weber’s new corporate identity—now branded under Weber Blackstone—and the increasing overlap between commercial and consumer brands, Sorkin worries small businesses like his are at greater risk of being swallowed in a sea of corporate marketing.
“We’re not just a name—we’re a reputation,” he said.
As of now, both sides remain firm. Weber intends to keep using the name for its products. Smoque intends to keep fighting.
Do you think big corporations like Weber should be more careful with product naming when small businesses already own the identity? Let us know in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
