Doc Ford’s dispute prompts tarpon tournament name change

HM Restaurant Group will become title sponsor of the annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament in 2027, replacing the Doc Ford’s name after 14 years. The company said the change stems from its ongoing legal dispute with novelist Randy Wayne White, who owns the Doc Ford trademark and sued HM Restaurant Group in July 2025 over its licensing agreement. White alleges the company improperly used the Doc Ford name and failed to properly compensate him under the agreement. HM Restaurant Group has denied the allegations. The company said White also sought to prevent it from using the Doc Ford’s name in connection with the tournament, prompting HM to shift the sponsorship to its corporate name. The tournament has raised more than $2 million for conservation at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge during the past 14 years and returns in May.