She is seeking unspecified damages. Currently jointly basedinDallas and Memphis, Buff City was founded in 2013 although it was then known as the Bartlett Soap Co. as an alternative, plant-based soap company. It is free of all harsh chemicals and lasts so much longer and smells so much better than regular laundry detergent. One container is estimated for 30 loads of laundry, and I At the wholesale market, Bynum encouraged customers to purchase from her rather than the 'Memphis'Buff City.". For more information visit the Guideboat Capital Partners website: www.guideboatcap.com. Buff City Soap filed a lawsuit against its former affiliate for using trade secrets and false advertising. ' Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009) (citing Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007)). Using Buff City soap to raise money for a worthy cause is an excellent way to do so. The soap made and sold at each location is free of artificial and harsh ingredients. In the agreement, she was allowed access to raw materials, approved marketing, and business model from Buff City for a 5-percent management fee. The complaint must be liberally construed in favor of the plaintiff, and all well-pleaded facts accepted as true. Id. "This ruling is a big victory for Magnolia Soap," said Bynum. Notes Of Magnolia Flower, Apple, Blackberry, & Melon. They have also done a lot of different things to help out the environment. However, Bynum began operating her own soap company around 2018 and her actions resulted in claims of using trade secrets. Magnolia is a hypnotically sweet scent that evokes memories of overgrown gardens, front porch sitting, and freshly picked fruit. Even if it seems almost a certainty to the court that the facts alleged cannot be proved to support the legal claim,' the claim may not be dismissed so long as the complaint states a claim. Id. The Buff City Soap Laundry Detergent is amazing. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. Buff City Soap filed a lawsuit against its former affiliate for using trade secrets and false advertising. As Buff grows its footprint beyond our current 145 stores, our expanding leadership team is poised to continue innovating and enhancing the brand.". Body butter, laundry soap, bath fizzies, and shower fizzies are other products made by them. Sunday - 12pm - 6pm. 2023 www.commercialappeal.com. To make their experience with Buff City Soap memorable and healthy, customers (and their skin) are treated to essential oils, natural exfoliants, shea butter, and other wholesome products. DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buff City Soap, a plant-based home and personal care brand franchise, announces the addition of The first 50 people who visit the new CALL (513) 351-0941. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. The Bartlett company claims that Magen Bynum, founder ofthe Magnolia Soap and Bath Co., hascaused irreparable harm to its brand and created an unfair competition. They also offer a birthday party package that includes a tour of the facility, a cupcake decorating station, and a goodie bag for each child. A more recent docket listing If you make your own bath bombs, you can earn a lot of money. The cost of the party is $250 for up to 10 children, and each additional child is $10. "With a handmade product line and a focus on transparency, Buff City Soap has established a loyal customer following," said Andrew Crawford, Global Head of Consumer at General Atlantic. "By early August 2018, Buff City Soap LLC learned that Bynum was beginning to operate a competing soap business[and]was using Buff City Trade Secrets in the manufacture of competing soap products," the lawsuit said. Buff City Soap also asserts that Bynum initially failed to fulfillthe orders she received at the Atlanta wholesale market, leaving Buff City Soap LLC to complete the order for one customer. Bath Bomb Parties for Four or Eight are now 53% Off at Buff City Soap. Make certain that the name, ingredients, and any warnings or instructions for use are included on the product label. Debra Bynum is accused in a lawsuit of lying about her products healing and resveratrol properties. It claimed that Bynum had used trade secrets to make her bath products. The company was sued by the city of Memphis for operating without a business license. Bath bombs are an excellent way to make some extra cash. ' United States ex rel. All rights reserved. A subscription to PACER is required. WebBuff City Soap - Burlington, IA. According to the Bartlett-based company, Magen Bynum, the founder of the Magnolia Soap and Bath Company, has caused irreparable harm to its brand. I am a 33 year old wife, mother, beauty professional, blogger, amateur chef, craft maven and DIYer, living in a small rural suburb outside of San Diego, California. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Buff City Soap Lawsuit Buff City Soap is being sued by a former employee who alleges that the company failed to provide a safe work environment. Bartlett Soap Companys founder, Brad Kellum, enlisted the assistance of Paradigm Marketing to help him find a new name for the company and improve its appearance. Buff City Soap files lawsuit against former franchisee who created a competing brand Buff City Soap claims Magen Bynum, founder of Magnolia Soap and A district court should dismiss for failure to state a claim only if it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim which would entitle him to relief. Bynum was a former affiliate of Buff City. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to build market-leading businesses worldwide. Guideboat Capital Partners continuously supports their portfolio companies as active advisers and offers operational support to achieve full potential value for all stakeholders. "Buff City Soap is transforming the retail experience by giving customers an immersive, handmade daily experience with products they love. The Judge overseeing this case is SLAUGHTER, GENA. Every product is manufactured and sold at the store so you can see what goes into it. About Buff City SoapFounded in 2013 and franchising since 2018, Buff City Soap continues its rapid growth trajectory across 20 states and 100+ stores. The complaint, filed through the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, claims that Bynum and her new company are unfairly competing with Buff City Soap due to her knowledge of its business strategies. "Discovery is ongoing and we will continue to vigorously defend our business practices as this case continues.". The city filed the lawsuit against Buff City Soap in March of 2017. SO ORDERED AND ADJUDGED this 29th day of September, 2021. "I'm thrilled to be joining Buff City Soap - my wife and I were huge fans of the brand long before this opportunity!" "Bynum and the Magnolia Soap Defendants used and continue to use Buff City Trade Secrets, including product formulas and recipes, that Bynum learned while operating as a Buff City location to purchase additional raw materials to use in connection with her competing Magnolia Soap business." Customers can enjoy a variety of scents and textures in the store as well as a cozy seating area for them to relax. Bynum formerly operated the Mississippi locations of Buff City Soap in New Albany, Tupelo and Oxford. 81 Locations 15 States and Territories 56 Cities A bath bomb costs $25, yields eight to ten bath bombs, and each child can make three bath bombs with only one batch. To sell bath bombs in the United States, you must first obtain a license from the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In their Bartlett and Olive Branch stores, youll see slogans like 100% Happen Natural Ingredients and Good, Clean Fun. Buff City Soap. Bynum would go on to operate Buff City New Albany, with locationsin Oxford, New Albany and Tupelo. The new store is holding its grand opening at 9 a.m. Thursday. Overlays are often added instead of manually identifying or resolving accessibility barriers in a website's code and design, which would generally occur during an audit or test from an accessibility subject matter expert. Buff City Soap does a lot of different fundraisers! You will be charged the promotional value 120 days after the purchase date. Buffalo City Soap, a company that also owns a distribution center and a retail store in Franklin, has locations in Nashville and Mt. ", Dennis Seid, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter, potential No. We look forward to partnering with the Buff City Soap management team, as well as existing investors Crux Capital and Guideboat Capital Partners, to meaningfully scale the business. Last week's ruling comes in response to Magnolia's motion to dismiss Bluff City's trade secrets allegation due to the same arguments being made in a separate court action known as claim splitting in the Northern District of Mississippi. Amounts are never exercisable. (jla). About Guideboat Capital PartnersGuideboat Capital Partners is a Dallas based private equity firm focused on investments in entrepreneur and founder led lower middle-market companies. Buff City Soap Announces Growth Investment from General Founded in 2013, Buff City Soap's mission is to create plant-based products free of harsh chemicals and detergents. As part of the transaction, Andrew Crawford will join the Buff City Soap Board of Directors. PLAINTIFFS v. MAGEN BYNUM, ET AL. Compare quotes from multiple accessibility companies to find the best match for you. We are more excited than ever about our growth potential.". Goat Milk Stuff Goat Milk Soap - BLACK RASPBERRY | Made with Farm-Fresh Goat Milk, Goat Milk Soap for Face - Leaves Skin feeling Renewed and Natural - Handmade (Box of 2) 2 Count (Pack of 1) 754 Accordingly, the court finds that Magnolia's counter-claim should survive this stage of the litigation, and Buff City's Motion to Dismiss Counter-Claim should be, and the same is hereby, DENIED. Last year, Buff City Soap which is jointly based in Memphis and Dallas filed a lawsuit against Bynum for misappropriating trade secrets and false advertising. The employee, who was not identified in the lawsuit, claims that she was exposed to hazardous chemicals and suffered health problems as a result. Mon-Thurs: 11AM-7PM Several bluffs can be found near Memphis on the Mississippi River. The scent is distinguished by the combination of grapefruit, patchouli, and Egyptian musk. Presently before the court is the Motion to Dismiss Counter-Claim filed by plaintiffs/counter-defendants Buff City Soap, LLC, and Buff City Soap Holdings, LLC (collectively, Buff City), seeking to dismiss the counter-claim filed by defendants/counter-claimants Magnolia Soap & Bath Holding Co., LLC, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. of Oxford, LLC, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. of Tupelo, LLC, and Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. of New Albany, LLC (collectively, Magnolia). People enjoy the benefits of being healthier and looking better as a result of using their products. WebBuff City Soap filed a lawsuit Friday against a former affiliate for misappropriating trade secrets and false advertising. The High Bluff can be found 60 miles from downtown Memphis in Fort Pillow, Tennessee. On 07/20/2020 BUFF CITY SOAP INVESTCO, LLC filed an Other lawsuit against NEAL YANOFSKY. Avoid. On July 27, 2021, RONALD C. KOLESAR filed a complaint in Pennsylvania against BUFF CITY SOAP SUPPLY, LLC. Juliet. I have great plans foritsexpansionand continuedsuccessandwillnotlettheGoliath venture capitalfirmfundingourcompetitor bully us with nonsensicallegal matters., Do you like or dislike the Ole Miss helmets designed by Realtree, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Preview: Five filmmakers speak on Oxford Film Festival, Seven Oxford students named finalists in National Merit Scholarship competition, Ole Miss Ducks Unlimited to host Concert for Conservation featuring Riley Green, Lafayette County Sheriffs crime report for Feb. 28. Plaintiff RONALD C. KOLESAR alleges that www.buffcitysoap.com is not sufficiently digitally accessible. In their counter-complaint, Magnolia alleges that, during the pendency of this litigation, Buff City contacted Magnolia's raw material suppliers, including Columbus Vegetable Oils, threatening that if they continued to do business with Magnolia, Buff City would no longer purchase materials from them. "We made significant investments last year in the team and systems while fortifying our product offering that has resonated across the U.S.". By not addressing the underlying cause of accessibility barriers, the effectiveness of overlays has been debated. WebAVAILABLE NOW! Case assigned to Judge Biggers and Magistrate Judge Percy. This product is made with gardenia petals, lemon zest, hemp seed oil, shea butter, charcoal, and tea tree oil. Coatings Corp., 728 F.2d 759, 762 (5th Cir. 2023 Because crafting them yourself means no middleman, youll be able to make more money. "Magnolia is a successful, woman-owned small business," said Bynum. Dec 08, 2021 6:02 pm EST Featured review Soap size I purchased 16 bars of soap from Buff City Soap on-line. Buff City Soap is a product that mimics the nostalgic experience of a neighborhood soap store, with a variety of scents and textures and a cozy seating area where customers can relax while shopping. They have done a lot of different things to help out the community. The founder of Buff City, Brad Kellum, will be in charge of the companys retail and product development. Buff City, based in Brooklyn, was founded to bring neighborhood soap shops to life. Buff City Soap is now known as Buff City Soap, in honor of Kellum and Ziemianins hometown of Bluff City and their sense of humor. Buff City Soap Company was renamed Bartlett Soap Company in early 2015, in order to better connect with customers outside of Bartlett, Tennessee. "The growth at Buff City Soap is truly inspiring and is a top reason I am thrilled to join Buff," said Jean Grossman, who will serve as Buff City Soap's Chief Operating Officer. Buff City Soap's delightfully smelling and uniquely handmade soap, laundry, bath and body products are disrupting the retail beauty and consumer goods categories, and Buff City Soap was recognized in Entrepreneur's Top 100 "Best of the New" franchise rankings. According to the Bartlett-based company, Magen Bynum, Sep. 29, 2021). The court finds that, at least under the limited review permitted by Rule 12(b)(6), Magnolia has sufficiently state[d] a claim to relief that is plausible on its face. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678. Buff City Soap was acquired in November 2019 by Guideboat Capital Partners and Crux Capital who brought on a new team and have built one of the fastest growing franchise systems in the U.S. going from a 26-unit operation to 100+ stores in a year and a half. Buffalo City Soap Company, which was founded in 2013, provides customers with the opportunity to learn about the entire soap making process, from the raw materials to finished products. COUNTER-DEFENDANTS OUNTER-CLAIM, NEAL B. BIGGERS, JR. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE, ORDER DENYING MOTION TO DISMISS COUNTER-CLAIM. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia. The Buff City Soap franchise is a plant-based franchise designed to evoke the nostalgic feeling of a neighborhood soap store. Sign-up for exclusive email updates and get 15% off your entire in-store purchase! Buff City Soap Bath Bomb Contains fragrance and/or coloring agents. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American. 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