BITES

THE founder of popular Leederville burger bar Retro Betty's, Michael Wiss (pictured), is involved in a legal battle over intellectual property rights with the owners of Retro Betty's Innaloo.

Mr Wiss told Gusto the Innaloo restaurant changed its name to Betty's and is no longer associated with the Retro Betty's brand.

Mr Wiss says the dispute with the owners of Retro Betty's Innaloo over payment for the rights to use the name has run for two years.

"I'll do anything to pursue something that is damaging the brand of the Leederville store. I need to ensure that the brand is protected, as it is the case with all intellectual property," Mr Wiss says.

"It created confusion in the marketplace," he says.

The retro burger bar concept was started in Leederville in 2001 and a second restaurant opened in the Greater Union Cinema Complex in Innaloo in 2006.

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The South West is getting ready for the Geographe Crush Food & Wine Festival, which will have its second staging at the Bicentennial Square in Bunbury.

The festival showcases produce from the growing region from Harvey in the north to Busselton in the south, and encompasses the districts of Capel, Dardanup, Donnybrook and Collie.

About 60 different food and wine displays will showcase the regions' specialties.

The main stage will include cooking demonstrations using fresh local produce by Capel Vale chef Julie Lawrence, with wine appreciation seminars hosted by the Geographe Vignerons Association.

A new addition in 2008 will be the 'Geographe Café' a corporate hospitality area that will enable local companies to host clients and staff at tables overlooking festival activities.

The Geographe Crush Food & Wine Festival takes place on Sunday November 9 from 11am to 6pm.