La Santa Tacos & Tequilas, a popular modern Mexican restaurant in North Naples, Florida, has been renamed Kandela Tacos & Tequilas. This change comes after a trademark dispute with another establishment using the name “La Santa.” While the name has changed, the restaurant assures its patrons that the food, atmosphere, and overall experience remain the same.
From La Santa to Kandela: What’s in a Name?
Co-owner Pedro Aguirre confirmed that the name change was necessary due to legal reasons, stating that another business already held the trademark for “La Santa.” Despite the enforced change, Aguirre emphasized that the restaurant’s core identity remains intact. The transition to “Kandela,” the Spanish word for candle, symbolizes the restaurant’s commitment to creating a warm, inviting ambiance and delivering exceptional Mexican cuisine.
Kandela Tacos and Tequilas interior
Kandela’s social media presence, menus, and staff uniforms now reflect the new name. However, the exterior signage still displays “La Santa” as of late 2024. A quick search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database reveals several registered trademarks for variations of “La Santa” used in restaurants across the country, highlighting the name’s popularity in the Mexican food scene. Examples include La Santa Taqueria by Chef Omi in Miami, La Santa Modern Mexican in Raleigh, North Carolina, and others in Tennessee and Washington state. This underscores the competitive landscape and the importance of establishing a unique brand identity.
Kandela Tacos and Tequilas staff
Maintaining the La Santa Legacy: Same Food, Same Vibes
Kandela emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the same high quality of food and service that La Santa was known for. The menu, featuring modern Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of tequilas, remains unchanged. The restaurant continues to operate in the same location on Immokalee Road, in a space previously occupied by Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. Aguirre’s original La Santa Tacos & Tequilas in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, established in 2018, is unaffected by the name change due to its grandfathered status.
Kandela Tacos and Tequilas food
The rebranding of La Santa to Kandela highlights the complexities of trademark law and the importance of protecting intellectual property in the restaurant industry. While the name has changed, the restaurant remains dedicated to providing its customers with the same authentic Mexican dining experience that made La Santa a local favorite. The transition to Kandela signifies a new chapter for the restaurant, but the core values of quality, hospitality, and a vibrant atmosphere remain firmly in place. Patrons can expect the same delicious modern Mexican food and welcoming environment they have come to love, now under the banner of Kandela Tacos & Tequilas.
