diff --git a/grum/menus/menubase.py b/grum/menus/menubase.py
index d98623b..0642c86 100644
--- a/grum/menus/menubase.py
+++ b/grum/menus/menubase.py
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ class MenuBase:
         action = QAction(name, **kwargs)
         action.setChecked(state)
         self.qmenu.addAction(action)
+        # remove shorthand & from name for easier retrieval
+        name = name.replace("&", "")
         self.checkboxes[name] = action
         return action