Coffee Shop Owner Triumphs in Free Speech Lawsuit Against Boise State Administrators, Awarded $4 Million in Damages

BOISE, Idaho — In a significant legal victory, Sarah Jo Fendley, the former owner of Big City Coffee, won a lawsuit against two senior Boise State University administrators for infringing on her First Amendment rights. The jury decision issued late Friday awarded Fendley $4 million in damages, concluding a nine-day trial that spotlighted the intersection of free speech and campus politics. The case originated from an incident in 2020, when Fendley alleged that her support for law enforcement led to the forced closure of her coffee shop’s campus location. The controversy centered on her public … Read more

Jury Awards $4 Million to Boise Coffee Shop Owner in First Amendment Lawsuit Against University Administrators

BOISE, Idaho — In a legal conclusion that caps off a highly publicized three-week trial, Big City Coffee won a significant victory against Boise State University administrators, securing a $3 million award for alleged violations of First Amendment rights. The controversy stemmed from the coffee shop’s display of a law enforcement support sticker, which ignited campus activism and public debate. In August 2021, Sarah Fendley, the owner of Big City Coffee, initiated a $10 million lawsuit targeting Leslie Webb, the former vice president for student affairs, and Alicia Estey, chief financial and operating officer at … Read more

Museum Lawsuit Brews as Coffee Shop Alleges Intimidation and Trademark Infringement Turmoil

Fall River, MA — A bitter lawsuit has erupted in this Massachusetts city where the infamous Lizzie Borden once lived. The legal battle features two neighboring businesses: the Lizzie Borden House museum and bed-and-breakfast, and a cafe, Miss Lizzie’s Coffee, which are at loggerheads over allegations of trademark infringement and intimidation tactics. The lawsuit was initiated last year by US Ghost Adventures (USGA), which operates the Lizzie Borden House at 230 Second Street. USGA claims that Miss Lizzie’s Coffee, located at 242 Second Street, infringes on its Lizzie Borden-related trademarks. Court filings reveal that USGA … Read more

Forest Hill Cycling Shop Abruptly Closes, Customers Left Stranded and Lawsuit Looms

RICHMOND, Va. – A popular cycling shop in Forest Hill, Coqui Cyclery, has abruptly closed its doors, leaving customers in the dark about the status of their bikes and orders. The store, located at 3416 Semmes Ave, has been unresponsive to customer inquiries and has ceased all communication. Adding to the complications, the bike shop is facing a lawsuit from Giant Bicycles USA, a California-based bike-maker, alleging unpaid goods totaling nearly $150,000. The future of Coqui Cyclery remains uncertain, as it is unclear if the store will reopen. Customers have taken to social media platforms … Read more