Los Angeles : US health officials closed down a spoof Starbucks coffee shop on Monday shortly after a TV comic revealed himself as the man behind the stunt, which drew media attention and plenty of customers.
The "Dumb Starbucks" cropped up in a Los Angeles neighbourhood on Friday adorned with the signature green logo and signage of the global coffee giant, except with the word "Dumb" sitting above it.
Long lines formed outside the shop over the weekend as word of mouth and social media attracted large crowds, with some people reportedly waiting over an hour to be served.
On Monday Canadian comedian Nathan Fielder, known for a Comedy Central prank show, came forward and said it was his idea.
In a "press conference" outside the shop and a video posted on YouTube, he said: "By adding the word 'dumb,' we are legally allowed to use the coveted Starbucks name and logo because we've fulfilled the minimum requirements to be considered a parody under US law."
"Many of you probably know me as a comedian, but this is no bit or joke," he said. "This is a real business I plan to get rich from," he deadpanned.
But a short time later the LA County Department of Public Health swooped and posted a "notice of closure" on the door, saying the business was "operating without a valid public health permit."
Corporate giant Starbucks said before the shop was closed down: "It is not affiliated with Starbucks.
"We are evaluating our next step. While we appreciate the humour of the store, they cannot use our name. It is a protected trademark."
Fielder said he plans to open a second location in Brooklyn, New York.
The "Dumb Starbucks" cropped up in a Los Angeles neighbourhood on Friday adorned with the signature green logo and signage of the global coffee giant, except with the word "Dumb" sitting above it.
Long lines formed outside the shop over the weekend as word of mouth and social media attracted large crowds, with some people reportedly waiting over an hour to be served.
In a "press conference" outside the shop and a video posted on YouTube, he said: "By adding the word 'dumb,' we are legally allowed to use the coveted Starbucks name and logo because we've fulfilled the minimum requirements to be considered a parody under US law."
Advertisement
But a short time later the LA County Department of Public Health swooped and posted a "notice of closure" on the door, saying the business was "operating without a valid public health permit."
Advertisement
"We are evaluating our next step. While we appreciate the humour of the store, they cannot use our name. It is a protected trademark."
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Meta Fires 24 Employees For Misusing $25 Meal Credits On Toothpaste, Detergent India To Open 2 New Consulates In Boston, Los Angeles: PM Modi In New York 76th Primetime Emmy Awards Full Winners’ List: Shōgun, The Bear and Baby Reindeer Take Home Maximum Awards Hamas Confirms Yahya Sinwar Killed By Israel, Won't Free Hostages Until... Drone Footage Of Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar's Last Moments Released By Israel "War Can End Tomorrow If...": Netanyahu's Message After Killing Of Yahya Sinwar Applications Invited For 613 Lecturer Posts In Uttarakhand, Check Details "Making It Possible With Purpose" - Why Dia Mirza Is Proud Of Her Reusable Travel Bottle 5-Year-Old's Mother Arrested After His Body Found Floating In Assam River Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.