Eskimo Joe's says it will not change name or logo following online petition

Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater, Oklahoma says it does not intend to make changes to its logo or name after a petition began online calling for the restaurant to drop them, according to KOCO News 5.

The petition claims that the restaurant’s name involves a racial slur and the imagery in its logo is racist. Eskimo Joe's has used the same branding for 45 years.

"The term Eskimo is a racial slur. We are not to be used as mascots. We are people. That’s why we are fighting and speaking up," said the Oklahoman who started the petition.

The restaurant then received a large amount of feedback from the community.

"We received more than 30,000 heartfelt comments from our customers and the general public about our name and logo. The overwhelming majority—more than 90 perecent—encouraged us to keep our branding of 45 years," said Eskimo Joe’s officials in a social media post.

"They love Eskimo Joe and Buffy, who have always represented fun and excellent service while welcoming and respecting all people."

"As a company, we pride ourselves on giving our loyal customers what they want, so we currently plan to make no changes to our name or logo. We thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback."

The online petition began gaining traction in late July and demanded that the restaurant change both its name and logo due to their “racially insensitive” nature.

"Esk*mo Joe's has been a beloved but racially insensitive Oklahoma brand since it was established in Stillwater in 1975. Everyone in Oklahoma knows Esk*mo Joe’s, but few question the restaurant's name or branded mascot as offensive or racist, or even know the term 'Esk*mo' is considered a racial slur," reads the petition which has now received more than 5,000 signatures.

As news of the petition began to circulate, other petitions began with the goal of keeping the restaurant’s name and logo as they are.