Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
It turns out intellectual property theft wasn't the biggest challenge facing Dumb Starbucks.
"Even before Starbucks could send in the lawyers, the health department closed the shop." (Via
KCBS)
According to the Los Angeles Times, the store was operating without a valid health permit.
A sign posted on the store Monday said Dumb Starbucks was closed for violations.
If you hadn't heard, the faux Starbucks shop opened its doors in LA over the weekend. It
looked strangely similar to the real deal, but had the word "dumb" affixed to every product.
And the other major difference — the drinks were all free. (Via CBS)
"We have a full menu, featuring all of your favorite Starbuck's items. A delicious selection
of pastries. And even some music for the ride home." (Via YouTube / Dumb Starbucks)
No one — including the hundreds who waited in line for for the Starbucks knockoffs — was
quite what to think of it. And biggest question still, who was mastermind behind it? (Via
The mystery brewing over the weekend finally came to an end when Comedy Central's Nathan
Fielder revealed it was his handwork.
"I am the president and founder of dumb Starbucks. The dumb is out of necessity. My entire marketing
plan depends on using their corporate logo to get attention."
Fielder said what he was doing fell "under parody law" and was therefore within the law
— though many legal experts weren't buying it.
And as you might have imagined, the real Starbucks wasn't either.
A rep for the coffee chain told NBC: "while we appreciate the humor, they cannot use our
name, which is a protected trademark."
It's unclear what's next for Dumb Starbucks, though Fielder did tell reporters he hopes
to open a second location in Brooklyn.