'Dumb Starbucks' opens, offers free coffee

[Sunrisenow]

A coffee shop billing itself as "Dumb Starbucks" has opened in California, attracting big crowds with free coffee. It's calling itself a parody of the real Starbucks.

http://www.fox19.com/story/24681548/dumb-starbucks-opens-offers-free-coffee

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

my mom just took a ride by and says same today as yesterday. Hipsters in line all around the building. She thinks it will be revealed as an "art" thing. I don't get it. What is being accomplished?

 

[deca]

IIRC the article I read said that this was a real coffee shop and the free coffee was to draw customers in. The satirical use of "Dumb Starbucks" is also a gimmick to get customers. So I don't think it will be an art piece is that info is true. I just think it is a gimmick that the owners are trying to use.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

here is a link to the story in yesterday's LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/...-feliz-20140209,0,3751296.story#axzz2sxuhaV2n

has some additional info.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

the name is "Dumb Starbucks" - they can't use that as a name for a different, competing coffee shop - there is more to this.

 

[deca]

I thought satire is a protected form of free speech? IDK for certain, but I thought that is why things like SNL and The Onion can't be sued.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

marketing stunt - not even art! health dept closed them down.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertai...ucks-shut-health-inspectors-article-1.1609947

 

[LinasK]

Why would you spend all this money to open to insult and piss off a major chain like Starbucks??? It is a trademark/logo violation and it brings more attention to them. I happen to love Starbucks. I hated coffee- too bitter until a friend of mine introduced me to Peppermint Macchiatos- which they offer year-round. Only kind of coffee I drink!!!