Lizzie Borden coffee shop stirs up controversy in Fall River community

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Miss Lizzie’s Coffee opened just over a month ago in Fall River, and the owner of the bed and breakfast down the street has asked the coffee shop to change their name, threatening legal action.

The Lizzie Borden House, a bed and breakfast on Second Street, has has been around for centuries, offering tours, overnight stays, and a gift shop full of all things Lizzie Borden.

The owner of the bed and breakfast told ABC 6 News over the phone that him and the owner of Miss Lizzie’s Coffee reached an agreement about a possible name change.

Miss Lizzie’s Coffee declined to speak to ABC 6 on the matter but shared on Facebook that they will not change their name, despite threats of legal action from the bed and breakfast.

One resident told ABC 6 how the Lizzie Borden name is a huge part of Fall River and that they think there shouldn’t be a controversy.

“I think it is perfectly fine, I think anyone can use the name. I think the ties are with the city honestly so anybody should be able to use it,” said Barrettan Selmo.

For another visitor, originally from Fall River, returning home and seeing the Miss Lizzie’s Coffee was not something she wanted.

“I think I would prefer not having it if I still lived here. I think Lizzie Borden is something people come to and see. I don’t want to be sidetracked with a Lizzie Borden coffee shop,” Barbara Mercell of Jacksonville, Florida said.

Mercell added how she thinks the owners of the coffee shop are only jumping in on the famous story.

“I think it is disrespectful to the name. I think it should remain with the Lizzie Borden memory. I am a little disappointed — perplexed — a little bit sad that you are jumping in on the name,” she added.

Although it remains unclear if the controversy will end soon, as of Monday, Miss Lizzie’s Coffee shop is operating under the same name.

The owner of the bed and breakfast told ABC 6 that there will be files shared Friday explaining the agreement both owners allegedly discussed.