Dumb Starbucks Parody Coffee Shop Shut Down by L.A. Health Officials
Posted on February 11, 2014
A coffee shop called Dumb Starbucks in Los Angeles didn't last very long. The shop gave away free coffee for about a day before it was shut down by local health officials for operating without a license. The shop was a stunt by Nathan Fielder, who is promoting an upcoming Comedy Central show. It sold items that included Dumb Espresso, Dumb Tea and Dump Frappuccino.
CNN/Money reports that Fielder argued the coffee shop was an art gallery and was legal under parody law. He says the coffee they were giving away was the art. Starbucks objected to the store's use of its trademark, but the coffee chain didn't have to pursue the issue as Dumb Starbucks was shut down by the Los Angeles County Health Department. However, the issue may resurface as the comedian reportedly wants to open a Dumb Starbucks in Brooklyn. Take a look: