‘Bring it’: Late night host John Oliver eggs on Buc-ee’s, encourages chain to sue him

In The Know ‘Bring it’: Late night host John Oliver eggs on Buc-ee’s, encourages chain to sue him Comments: by Addy Bink - 07/28/26 12:34 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Addy Bink - 07/28/26 12:34 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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(NEXSTAR) – Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based convenience store chain, is hitting another growth spurt, with plans to open at least two dozen additional stores in the coming years. The company has also made headlines for recently wowing international visitors during the World Cup, perhaps thanks to its coveted Beaver Nuggets, its smoked meats, its plethora of merchandise plastered with its mascot Buc-ee, and its qualifications as a wedding venue.

But, like many large brands, Buc-ee’s is protective of its branding. That has prompted several lawsuits.

Earlier this year, shortly before opening its first location in Ohio, Buc-ee’s sued a gas station chain in the northern part of the state, accusing the company of using a logo that too closely resembled its beaver. These gas stations, known as Mickey’s, have been using their Mickey the Moose mascot since at least 2020 — long before Buc-ee’s opened its first location in Ohio.

The case is still being litigated, according to court records.

Last year, Buc-ee’s sued a Florida store and a South Carolina apparel company over alleged copyright infringement. And a Missouri business settled while another shuttered after Buc-ee’s accused both of trademark infringement, Nexstar’s KOLR reported.

An Oklahoma underwear and apparel company also vowed to fight back against a lawsuit brought by Buc-ee’s, with owner Jarrad Hewett telling Nexstar’s KFOR in November that “it’s time that somebody stands up and says, ‘This isn’t right.'”

A late-night TV host apparently agrees with Hewett.

Earlier this week, “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver took aim at Buc-ee’s and its lawsuits during a segment, egging the company on to sue him.

Oliver explained that Buc-ee’s had won many of the more than a dozen lawsuits it has brought against businesses, mainly over their animal-based logos.

“And that’s probably because most just don’t have the resources to fight a company this big,” Oliver said before referring to an article by Fast Company in which a legal expert warned Buc-ee’s that it could soon “run into somebody who has the means or the will to fight with you.”

“It turns out, we very much have the will to get into a fight with Buc-ee’s,” Oliver added. The host then referred to a former segment that featured Mr. Nutterbutter, a squirrel mascot who has previously appeared on the show.

To poke the beaver further, Oliver showcased merchandise featuring a cartoon version of Mr. Nutterbutter with the slogan “Buc-off” in a very Buc-ee’s style. All of the merchandise, ranging from t-shirts and hats to onesies and coffee mugs (the stickers are listed as sold out, as of Tuesday) can be found at Buc-off.com.

Shoppers head into a Buc-ee’s store late Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Johnstown, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Proceeds from the online store, which, at least for now, is slated to be open until September 8, will reportedly go to Hunger Free America. A notice on the website warns that the items are “not authorized by or affiliated with Buc-ee’s.”

“So, if any prominent gas station chain out there has an issue with our new logo and products and wants to get lawyers involved, then you know what? Bring it the f— on,” Oliver warned. “Although, remember, in doing so, you’d be directly taking food out of hungry people’s mouths.”

“So, at this point, Buc-ee’s, I guess the Beaver Nugget is in your court. The next move is yours,” the TV host added before walking toward a set built to look like a Buc-ee’s, complete with a bronze statue of Mr. Nutterbutter. A costumed mascot of the aforementioned squirrel joined Oliver on stage after walking out of the doors of what appears to be a Buc-off store.

Buc-ee’s did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment.