In Maryland, what name must a Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill franchisee register as a dba?

According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill has not registered its trademark, servicemark, or logo in the state of Maryland. Therefore, a Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill franchisee in Maryland is required to register the name "Costa Vida Association" as a dba (doing business as) for the entity that operates the franchise within the state where the franchise marketing area is located.

This requirement ensures that the franchisee operates under a legally recognized name in Maryland, given that the primary brand name is not officially registered there. Registering a dba is a common legal practice that allows a business to operate under a different name than its registered business name.

For a prospective Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill franchisee in Maryland, this means they must take the necessary steps to register "Costa Vida Association" as their dba with the relevant state authorities. This registration is essential for legal compliance and to properly conduct business operations in Maryland. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in legal issues or penalties.