Durban — Japanese restaurant and lifestyle brand Zuma has stated that there is no affiliation with the newly opened restaurant in uMhlanga operating under the same name.
In a statement, Zuma, the Japanese international restaurant group and lifestyle brand founded in 2022 by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney, states there is no affiliation with the recently opened “Mediterrasian” restaurant named Zuma in Durban, South Africa.
“Zuma is not affiliated or connected with the Durban restaurant in any manner,” the statement read.
“A dispute is in progress between Zuma and the Durban restaurant and Zuma plans to take legal action regarding the trademark.”
It said that Zuma was co-founded in 2002 and Zuma London, the first restaurant to open, remained the brand’s home base.
Zuma has successfully launched in 21 locations around the world including permanent restaurants in Hong Kong (2007), Dubai (2008), Istanbul (2008), Miami (2010), Bangkok (2011), Abu Dhabi (2014), New York (2015), Rome (2016), Las Vegas (2017), Boston (2019), Madrid (2021) and the Maldives (2022).
It also said the brand also operates a series of pop-up restaurants in seasonal hot spots including Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Ibiza, Kitzbühel, Bodrum, Datça Peninsula, Doha and Phuket.
In 2022, Zuma opened a first-of-its-kind lifestyle concept in Mykonos, offering a wider day-to-night experience for guests including DJ sets, a chic infinity pool, floating pool beds and multiple menus for lunch, sunset bites and dinner.
The statement added that Zuma would not comment further at this time.
Owner of the South African-based Zuma brand, David Manal, has responded to the statement of international Zuma brand owners, Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney.
Manal states that he is the sole owner of the Zuma brand in South Africa.
“Zuma is a big name in South Africa. It is well-known to the people and it’s the name of our former president Jacob Zuma,” Manal said.
“I’ve got the support of the local people and Jacob Zuma.”
Manal states that his position has been well considered, his lawyers having exchanged letters with Becker and Waney previously.
He added: “I have no ill will towards either of them, and wish them well, however I have my own venture to focus on”.
Manal also states the international brand’s allegations of legal action are tired and outdated.
“When they first reached out to me, I invited them to be part of this local venture, but on mutual terms, not as they dictated”.
Manal also said he was the holder of the relevant registered trademark in South Africa.
Speaking about the restaurant brand, Manal (who has shown his style and experience in the restaurant business as the owner of Café La Plage) said he was confident Zuma Restaurant would thrive in South Africa.
The statement added that Zuma’s characteristic culinary concept featured a main kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill offering modern, sophisticated Japanese cuisine.
Zuma has garnered international acclaim from media including “Restaurant of the Year” in the UK’s Tatler Restaurant Awards. Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot Tables Awards awarded Zuma Hong Kong “Most Exciting New Restaurant,” and Time Out Istanbul awarded Zuma Istanbul “Best New Restaurant 2009”.
Both Zuma London and Hong Kong made the Top 100 listing of The S Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants, as voted for by an international panel of over 800 critics, chefs and restaurateurs.
Moreover, Chef Rainer Becker has also been recognised within the industry, with awards including Chef of the Year nods from both Harper’s Bazaar and Moet.
Daily News