Barc-ee's, now closed, to return in some form

Barc-ee's, a Marshfield venture that includes a dog park, coffee and food, and a play area for kids, has closed amid a lawsuit from Buc-ee's, but the owner of the local business says it will return in some form.

An April 17 Facebook post from Barc-ee's indicates the business, at 140 York Drive in Marshfield, is no longer operational.

"This decision hasn't come easy, and we want to thank each and every one of you who supported us, cheered us on and made memories with us," the post reads. "We’ll be announcing our brand new name, fresh new look and our next location as we step into this new chapter with vision and boldness."

Barc-ee's owner John Lopez said via text this morning that next steps are "all in the air still" but that the concept would "come back with a new name, brand and location."

Additionally, the Facebook post pointed to a new venture from employees of the business called The Bean & Bubble Babes.

Lopez said the ownership of The Bean & Bubble Babes is leasing the kitchen at the Barc-ee's space and operating a mobile food and drink truck. The Bean & Bubble Babes LLC was organized with the Missouri secretary of state's office on March 31 by Alea Hearod.

Last month, Barc-ee's was sued by Lake Jackson, Texas-based Buc-ee's, which opened a Springfield travel center in late 2023.

The March 19 petition alleges Barc-ee's has infringed upon Buc-ee's trademarks.

In March, Lopez told SBJ, "My legal team believes we are not legally infringing on any trademark. Parody trademarks have been distinguished for years, but it may not be worth the fight. Beavers are cunning creatures."

Barc-ee's opened last year in a roughly 7,500-square-foot property that's 17 miles northeast of the Buc-ee's travel center in Springfield.

Buc-ee's also filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in November against Kimberling City liquor store Duckees Drive Thru.

An April 17 notice in online court records indicates a settlement has been reached in the case involving Duckees.

Buc-ee’s opened its Springfield travel center at 3284 N. Beaver Road in December 2023, according to past reporting. The 53,000-square-foot store was reportedly built at a cost of $60 million.