Fonzi's may have to change name

Galleria Associates' plans for Fonzi's, a gaming and entertainment complex at 1250 Sunset Road, may face more hurdles than just gaining Henderson City Council approval.

Galleria Associates may have to change the project's name. Galleria Associates' plan to theme the complex on a "cool character" named Fonzi appears to have drawn the ire of Paramount Television, owner of the rights to the Happy Days television program and its famous Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli character.

Neither Galleria Associates nor Paramount would comment, but a source familiar with the matter said the two companies were unable to reach a licensing agreement after discussions earlier this year. The discussions arose after Galleria Associates tried to trademark the name, the source said.

The source said Galleria Associates appears to have dropped its pursuit of the name. However, the company was still calling the project Fonzi's on documents filed with the Henderson planning department June 30.

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