BANGOR, Maine — Amid the recent legal proceedings involving trademark issues surrounding what is perhaps Bangor’s most famous sandwich — the Coffee Pot — the Bangor Daily News decided a taste test was in order and picked up three versions of the sandwich being sold in the city.
The Coffee Pot court case involves the Coffee Pot Cafe at 652 Broadway which alleged in a 10-count civil complaint filed last month in U.S. District Court that The Legacy Sandwich Shop at 163 State St. infringed on its trademark names for its sandwiches and that it engaged in deceptive trade practices.
Of course we picked up a sandwich from both the cafe and Legacy Sandwich, but we also purchased a Coppee Pot from Court Street Market for our participants to try.
And who did we find that was willing to participate in our blind taste test? A few Bangor firefighters who were more than happy to give an opinion on which sandwich tasted the best and which was most like the famous original.
These sandwiches have a lot to live up to after the original business closed on Dec. 31, 2009.
The business had operated for nearly 80 years making its signature sandwich made with ham or salami, onions, cheese and vegetables.
As for the taste test results — Legacy Sandwich came out on top 2-1 in overall taste and 3-0 for being the closest to the original.
And, the results? Come on, BDN — you can do better than this!!
Watch the video.
I can only get the video to play the ad…then it stops with no results at all.
The Legacy won!!! nobody picked the Coffee Pot Cafe
Thanks!
The results, such as they are, are in the video.
Legacy won 2 votes, Ohio St Market 1 vote, Coffee Pot Cafe 0 votes.
Thanks what I thought . The old dial up dose not do video . I can not afford high speed I work for a living .
seems like if you did work you’d be able to have high speed internet.
Not after buying gas to get to work !
maybe you should say… ‘My job doesn’t pay enough to buy high speed internet when I have other priorities for my income”… rather than… ‘I can’t buy something because I work’… it’s contradictory.
I guess I could not feed my son. Yes I do not make enough . I do the best I can . I do not expect any help. Trying to keep a place to live, an inspected vehicle, gas ,food , heat, Clothes, I will tell you I go with out a lot myself . I could get high speed at $50 a month. Just no idea where the money would come from. But I do the best i can on my own . My income is about half what it was 5 years ago. Where are the decent paying jobs? The Well to do seem to be doing good while the workers are not doing as well. Ya think some of the well to do could afford to pay a bit more? Like the Walmarts . This greed we have now is going to ruin America . Thier is still as much money out there its just in the hands of fewer all the time. Things will change . The path we are on now can not go on forever. If it keeps on the path we are on now within 20 years I predict you will see major uprisings. Anyone ever look at history? Sorry A bit off topic.
This is a story about an italian sandwich right?
That’s what i was thinking…
Obviously you’re in the wrong business. You should open a sandwich shop.
There are still portions of this state where dial-up is about your only option.
O.k….. so maybe you should say… ‘It has nothing to do with the fact that I have a job, but the area in which I live doesn’t have high speed internet, and I’m stuck using dial-up’
Ok i can tell you have no Idea . You must be doing well . Sorry not all people who are having a difficult time are lazy or expect help from the state. On the same token maybe I could afford highspeed if we did not have taxes that pay for things that are waist full . Like college sports .
Ya it would seem like it . Maybe if i signed up for state help I could. Has not bee a whole lot of decent paying jobs. I Have bills and do not get any help. Try feeding a teenage boy sometime. My point is a lot of people can afford high speed that do not work.
I see… so by saying that you have a job and yet do not get high speed internet, you were trying to tell me that people without jobs buy high speed internet. It’s all so clear now.
What has your comments got to do w/the sandwiches. You people that ‘fed’ him get off track too easily.
aw … I still like the CPC on Broadway.
What I would like to see is who would come out on top with a blind taste test of the trio.
Personally I go for Court Street Market’s Coppee Pot. I’ve never had Legacy before so I will be stopping by today to check it out.
that was a blind taste test…….thats the impression I got from the video.
where is this ohio st market, i thought it was court st market
Yeah….My mistake. I meant to type Court St Market……..at the intersection of Court and Ohio Street.
These are my boys!! Although my boyfriend didnt try it, he was in the back ground. I agree with the vote for Court St. market. I get one every week!! Great post BDN!!
I suspect Yorkie is not a fan of any of these sandwiches as he is like me . . . averse to onions . . . which works out well since when I get in on dinner for a steak and cheese sandwich I also request the “Yorkie Special” — no onions, no peppers.
you can order them WITHOUT onions.
Note to copy desk: It’s a trademark dispute, not a copyright dispute.
isn’t that shocking?
a newspaper does not know what a copyright is?
We’re still arguing over a Gas Station Sandwich with enough onion to give a person flatulence for a lifetime?
I’ve never had any of these sandwiches but then again I’ve never had a doughnut from Franks either.
Oh, poor,poor Kevin! You toddle right over to Franks and Legacy and tell ’em this ones on Mr Natural.
But then people would know who I am and one day I will make it to Franks and have a sandwich from Legacy’s. I promise.
Pretty sure nobody cares who you are.
But the NSA might sneak a microchip into my sandwich and then I’ll be tracked. I might get caught going into Dave’s or some other seedy location and that in turn might get me arrested on the suspicion that I’m some sort of terrorist and then I might never see the light of day again or worse Mr. Obama might sign my death warrant.
See how badly it all good go?
On trips through Bangor when the “original” Coffee Pot facility was in operation, we decided this was a fairly tasty concoction of mostly bread and chopped onions. We continued to rely on sandwiches made by Italian’s and Sicilians from many a New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut “sandwich shops” offering one hell of a better deal than this! If you ever tried a real sub, it has to have at least three to four meats, peppers, at least two to three versions of real cheese, virgin olive oil, best bread and prime flour money can buy, and all the other fresh ingredients (except for half the sandwich made of chopped eye-tearing white onions and the other half a floppy roll). Seems to me the article’s mention of some legal suit now in contention of people making copies of this “sandwich” is odd; that why copy something like this?
I’m an Italian with New Jersey roots who grew up in Maine. The Italian sandwiches you get in Jersey are certainly delicious and I enjoy them when I visit relatives.
But there’s nothing as good as a Maine-style Italian sandwich. It’s a different dish, you can’t compare the two. Anytime I have to be away from Maine, I crave a good Maine “eye-talian” like crazy.
Dirty Gert’s in Kenduskeag! Made the best Italian ever!! I make my own, the same way, same ingredients, just doesn’t taste the same.
Even PB&J tastes better when someone else makes it!
Good point!
Dirty Gerts, sounds yummy.
You are dating yourself by referencing Art’s Place…..
I know but it had to be said.
It’s 7am, and this article has me drooling for a good old-fashioned Maine Italian sandwich of my childhood (even though I didn’t like them much as a child; too many veggies.) I live in NYC and could make a phone call and get a great sandwich delivered in 15 minutes. But you’re comparing apples and oranges. Don’t disrespect the “Italian.” Its about local traditions and the familiar tastes of home.
exactly!
I have lived all over the world and every time I return to maine, I have to have an Italian from Southern Maine, or a Coffee Pot from Bangor.
Whippers and Damons are OK, in Bangor, Amato’s is second best ever (sorry), and a place called the Beaver Pond Variety was best.
Amato’s is far superior to the onion sandwich called a Coffee Pot — in case you are counting votes!
You’re so right. Too many onions & too few ingredients for the price.
I only tried the original Coffe Pot Sandwich once. The lines were realtively short and it wasa nice day and I ate it a bench at Cascade Park. I skipped the onions becasue we don’t get along all that well. Afterward, I heard the onions were marinated and made the sandwich in the opinion of many. Haven’th had any of the successors.
As for Italian sandwiches in general, when living in PA we became acquainted with the Philadelphia Hoagie. Short of going to Philly, the best substitute is the BMT at Subway, no mayo, mustard, but oil and vinegar plus salt/pepper/oregano.
the onions have never been marinated. i am not sure where you heard that from. i used to cut the onions every morning they were open fresh cut. not everyone likes onions, i get that, because i don’t, but if you don’t like them ask for a sandwich without, as you did. i don’t get when people crab about the onions, if you don’t like them don’t get them
you do not know what you are talking about.
the issue is “THE COFFEE POT”, not a real sandwich made by Italians or Sicilians.
jesus, dark chocolate tastes better to some people too, but what does that have to do with anything?
Great, now everyone knows what I know, the Legacy has the best faux coffee pot in town! And they did it without stepping on Skip’s conditions.
Isn’t it pretty clear that the BDN brought the sandwichs to the Fire Station?
Pretty clear indeed. It was fun, I laughed. People take themselves to seriously – especially on here where some seem hate everybody and everything and think they can do better and know more than anyone else!
I think it was a fun article. Spell check……..too/to make note of how to use these.
So they can take free lunches city employee’s are not allowed take anything free fringe beneifit
I am guessing there must have been a grammar section to that firefighter’s test, huh? I bet that you were close to getting in though. Better luck next time.
Hook on anytime you feel like it portside. Grammar to be a firefighter. It not that hard to drag your hose around or maybe you do not have one!!!!
find/fined spell check
I believe i read where they are pre made? ya lets stand in line for a sandwich thats at least 4 or 5 hours old or go to sub way and watch em make it.
I live in the County,been having Coffe Pot Sandwich for 40 plus years when traveling to Bangor.I agree with the Bangor Fire dept. the Legacy sandwich is the best.They have done a good job with Skip and have done business in a good and gentlemen way since the original Coffe Pot as gotten done.In reading and hearing the lawsuit yesterday was a no brainer,Coffe Pot Cafe as competition and they do not have a clue how to deal with it except your low lying American Way “Law Suit.”Keep up the good work Legacy Sandwich Shop!!! Rooting from the County
When the coffee pot closed and the new shops opened I tried them all, I have to agree with the Bangor Fire Dept, Legacy on State street (located next to the old Coffee Pot) is by far the best sandwich in town. On a legal note why did the Bangor Daily not report that in a addition to this law suit that the owner of the coffee pot cafe has also filed suits against other competitors to his other businesses (not speculation, public record)
You should demand your money back.
I moved here last summer. Only place I have ever been is the place on broadway and I get mine without onions! Also I watched the video on my phone no ad was shown.
Oh lighten up! Are you opposed to people having fun at work? I love my Bangor firefighters.
Its just wonderful to see the fire fighters testing coffee pot
I like ’em all!!
Dear BDN, Hard up for news are you?
We all know it’s not really about the sandwich —IT’S REALLY ABOUT MONEY — $$$$$$$—:)
They are suing over a name that they stole from their old boss? Seems like they are getting good business on Broadway. Is this suit over greed or bitterness?
They’re going to be doing a little less business now. I’m thoroughly disgusted that the Broadway Coffee Pot Cafe would have the audacity to attempt to claim exclusive rights to something they, and at least 2 other businesses all copied at about the same time. It might be legal but it’s sure not ethical and I won’t be buying any more sandwiches from them.
How is it theft when you take something that is given away?
This should be on the Food Network not front page of the BDN. Must be a slow news day
I’m confused, I thought the coffee pot closed, but it sounds like they’re still open?
Sooooo, what are the results of the “blind taste test” according to the firefighters??
OK so I gave in and watched the video and got your results…..Jeff & Hodge are too skinny to be reliable judges…..Andy, obviously is more of a food connoisseur so I trust his instincts…..I certainly hope you guys didn’t have any ambulance runs for a while after eating all those onions…..Great job BDN & BFF…..
Why would you question the integrity of the blind taste test? I don’t think the firefighters have a dog in this fight. From the video it appears that the BDN asked them to do it. However, speaking of integrit…….is the owner of the coffee pot cafe the same dentist that was reprimanded from the State for “Unprofessional Conduct”?
Are they allowed to have a lunch break?
Sure with the fire truck
What were the results of the firemen?
I am probably one of the few voters who have tried all three… The Coppee pot is the one I go back to time and time again.. My money already voted. Fresh and quality product everytime. The Court Street Market
well, i will have to say that I will continue to buy my sandwiches at court street market the coppee pot is by far the best in bangor and quiet frankly there is NO CONTROVERSY there and with TWO PUNCH TUESDAYS it is the best value!!!!!
OMG! Of all the things happening in this world the arguing over who made what sandwich is absolutly ridiculous! It is official…ANYONE will do ANYTHING to get money as long as they dont have to work for it….Sue anyone and everyone for anything is the new norm now.
Just shut up and eat your dang sandwich already!
does a newspaper really not know the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
really?
really?
It’s not all that surprising, considering the paper still insists that Meadow Brook, not Penjajawoc Stream, goes by the Bangor Mall Hannaford.
Made with onions and vegetable???? Arent onions considered veggies? who writes these articles? My 1st grader knows that.
A better Question:
Since a sandwich is pretty much a sandwhich, which one of these privately run businesses has shown you the best customer service?
My vote, Legacy Sandwhich Shop by far. The crew that guy has running around for him does an amazing job. They always refer to you as Mr. xxxx or Mrs. xxxxx and really appreciate your business. The girls out back often come out to say hello and ask for your feedback on what they just prepared for you. They are a great bunch that sincerely seem happy to be working there. I doubt they are getting rich doing it but my sense is they don’t really complain much. Way to go.
Great article by the BDN. They printed no results and there’s a 30 second advertisement for a 15 second video that (seemingly) many can’t get to work. Good job! At least if you keep the articles short there’s less of a chance for typos to “sneak” past the editor.
The one I got from Brodway was an excellent sandwich.
You are out of line with that comment…….. You are fired!!!!!!!!!!!
Why would I be out of line with that comment.
I think the best sandwiches by far are made at The Fairmount Market.
The best around is Fairmount Market!
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More important than a lawsuit over salami is the logic behind layering the fillings of the sandwich above the cut in the bread. It is the stupidest thing I’ve even eaten, yes, stupidest. I’m suing.
viptoshopper.com
Well at least they found something for the firemen to do besides sleep and wash their trucks. I know everyones likes and dislikes are different but in my opinion these sandwiches are awful. I would much rather have Tri City or Angelos sub any day.
what the? Video killed the…oh wait a minute…is that going to be andrew bo bandrew formerly of another famous local house of repast?
Talk about deceptive trade practices – what is it when you open up a business with the same name as a formerly popular business. At least Coppee Pot changed the name while trying to take advantage of the former shops popularity.
A friend brought me a Coffee Pot sandwich last spring. In spite of how he touted how he remembered the greatness of a Coffee Pot, I was not impressed. My vote would go to …
Mill Stream in Springfield Makes the best sandwichs in the Lincoln Area IMO
Subway’s Italian BMT has both the Coffee Pot Cafe and Legacy beaten. They are filled up nicely and on Honey Oat Bread, (our choice).
yuck subway, really?
Funny how the Coffee Pot Cafe sued Legacy for using sandwich names and the Cafe people did not have the original Coffee Pot’s owners permission to use the Coffee Pot name. The former owner was honored with the “tribute” sandwiches but upset that his former employees did not ask his permission to use the name.
I think Court Street market’s Coppee Pot is the superior sandwich. Their new BBQ menu is awesome. I spent some time in the SouthEast and enjoy smoky BBQ ribs and chicken.
When the Broadway Coffee Pot closes -who wants to hire the Good Doctor as their advertising, public relations, and marketing guru? I’ll bet his Dentist practice even suffers.
Does anyone think that it is interesting that this taste teste with the firemen was called the “Coffee Pot” taste test. Isn’t that 1 of the things that is a “trademarked” word and the Legacy Sandwich is being sued for? Is the BDN infringing on a trademark here? In the video, BDN also asks which sandwich is the closest to the “Coffee Pot” again meaning the original and not the Cafe’s trademark. Legacy won that taste test hands down! Way to go Legacy! Will we see the poll results in the paper edition of the BDN?