The restaurant chain La Mafia se sienta a la mesa, from grupo LMssLM, has announced it will be renamed La Famiglia se sienta a la mesa to end the controversy over its previous name. The change follows the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office's annulment of the brand after a complaint from the Italian embassy. The new name was selected from 800 proposals.
LMssLM's CEO, Javier Floristán, told journalists that "one word does not change 25 years of history" and that "the important thing has never been the name, but what happens inside" the restaurants. The company upholds its authentic value proposition centered on gathering around the table, Floristán said.
Spain's Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) annulled the brand this year for being contrary to public order, following a process started by Italy's embassy in Spain. Previously, in March 2018, the EU General Court also declared the EU trademark invalid for referring to a criminal organization and opposing European values. The Italian government welcomed that ruling, with then-Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano calling it a "victory for Italy".
Director General Loli Riquelme said they filed an administrative appeal against the OEPM's decision and expect the issue to end there. The group runs nearly 120 outlets in Spain, Portugal, and Andorra under brands like Ditaly and La Boutique Trattoria Viajera. They plan about 30 openings in 2026 after billing 135 million euros last year, with the first new-name restaurant opening in Madrid this May.
Riquelme noted the decision was made over a year ago, has been well-received by franchisees, and will not affect their expansion plans or quality offerings.
