Mock Starbucks Opens in Los Angeles

There’s a new Starbucks that just opened in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles – ho hum? But wait, it’s actually a mock Starbucks – calling itself “Dumb Starbucks” complete with barristers, mock menus, mock CD’s and free coffee.  Lines have formed since its opening.

It works because … drum roll … it’s a parody of the real  thing. And people are digging it.

And it’s all reminiscent of OB’s battle and boycott of its own Starbucks.

Here are a few reports:

From the LA Times:

Los Feliz was buzzing Sunday afternoon as crowds of people lined up for hours to grab a cup of coffee from, uh, Dumb Starbucks.   The mock store, which quietly opened Friday, is nearly identical to a typical Starbucks location, with tumblers and CDs, including “Dumb Jazz Standards,” on display — but not for sale.

Drinks are served in cups that mock the Seattle coffee giant’s logo, while pastries are pulled from display cases straight in their Vons’ packaging. The menu features such offerings as Dumb Iced Coffee, Dumb Frappuccinos and Wuppy Duppy Latte.

But only iced coffees and lattes were available — free of charge — to promote the new business, an upbeat barista told customers after apologizing for the wait. Just two workers staffed the busy store, and merchandise was being delivered throughout the afternoon.  For remainder of this article, go here.

 From Slate:

A parody coffee shop mocking Starbucks opened this weekend in Los Angeles and is quickly becoming a sensation on social media.   The shop, “Dumb Starbucks,” looks nearly identical to the real Starbucks—with the exception of the word dumb being prefixed to the title and menu items.

A Starbucks spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that the company has nothing to do with the new shop but is looking into it.

Dumb Starbucks, which is staffed by two barristers, offered free coffee all weekend. Lines extended out the door.   Amber, one of the barristers, told the Wall Street Journal that the shop’s use of the Starbucks logo for marketing purposes is legal because it’s a clear parody.

Diners took to social media to express their fascination and amusement with the new shop.