Happier Hour

The “happy hour” is usually the time an establishment serves reduced-price drinks; “happy hour” has been cited in print since at least 1951. Taco Bell trademarked “happier hour” with a first use of August 19, 2011. Taco Bell ran national promotions in 2013 for its 2-5 .m. “happier hour” of $1 loaded grillers, freezes, sparklers, and medium drinks.
 
Some restaurants (other than Taco Bell) had also used the term “happier hour” since at least 1979.
 
 
Taco Bell
HAPPIER HOUR FROM 2-5 PM
ONLY $1
 
Google News Archive
10 August 1979, Spokane (WA) Daily Chronicle, pg. 14, col. 5 ad:
Our happier hour from 5 to 6 is complete with complimentary hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres.
(The Davenport—ed.)
 
18 October 1983, Indiana (PA) Gazette, pg. 10, col. 3 ad:
EXPERIENCE OUR
“HAPPIER HOUR” at
The Grapevine
Your Favorite Beer or Cocktails at Reduced Prices
8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
 
Google News Archive
15 March 1985, The News (Delray Beach, FL), pg. 7B, col. 2 ad:
“Happier” Hour:
4:00-7:00 Mon.-Fri.
(Cork of Boca—ed.)
 
17 July 1989, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH), g. 6D, col. 1 ad:
Happier Hour
4:30-6:30 Mon-Fri
(Brown Derby—ed.)
 
Brand Eating
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013
News: Taco Bell Adds New Happier Hour
Taco Bell offers a new Happier Hour menu promotion between the hours of 2 to 5 pm, where you can buy Loaded Grillers, Freezes, Sparklers, and Medium Drinks for only $1 each.
 
Of course, what this means is Loaded Grillers are no longer 99 cents. They now carry a regular price of $1.29 (may vary).
 
If you’re wondering what a Freeze is, it looks like Taco Bell has gotten rid of the fruit topping on their Frutista Freezes and are now just offering them as “Freezes” sans the “frut.” The ice-slush drinks are available in Mountain Dew Baja Blast, Pink Lemonade, and Pina Colada.
   
(Trademark)
Word Mark HAPPIER HOUR
Goods and Services IC 032. US 045 046 048. G & S: Frozen and semi-frozen non-alcoholic fruit-based beverages. FIRST USE: 20110819. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20110819
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number 85415558
Filing Date September 6, 2011
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition February 21, 2012
Registration Number 4238926
Registration Date November 6, 2012
Owner (REGISTRANT) Taco Bell Corp. CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 1 Glen Bell Way Irvine CALIFORNIA 92618
Attorney of Record Eliane Setton
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE