Possessive for shop names containing a name

Question

This may be a strange question, but I hear it a lot, but don't see any specific rules about it.

When people use the possessive case of their name as the beginning of a shop’s name,

can we use the possessive case of their name for short?

E.g.

There are two shops—Amy's Deli and Joe's Java Hut.

Can I say "Amy's croissants are always stale, so lets go have Joe's fresh bagels."

Are there any rules for contractions like this?

Thanks!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Sure, you can say that.  It is very natural.

Equilibrium8 · Answer

Thanks. I thought I heard it often enough, but do you think it is OK to use in formal writing, or is it only used in informal spoken English?

Mister Micawber · Answer

I don't see how any form could possibly appear in formal writing—these are shops you are talking about!

Equilibrium8 · Answer

Sure, they wouldn't be used in academic text, but what about something like a travel book mentioning restaurants or made up names in a novel?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Well, of course a travel book is going to mention the full name—else how will the tourist find or recognize it?  In a novel, it would depend on the fictional context, of course, just like the real contexts you have given: travel book, conversation, etc.

Possessive for shop names containing a name

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