This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
'Dumb Starbucks' mystery: Who's behind the faux coffee front in Los Feliz?
A "Dumb Starbucks" location in Los Feliz that popped up Friday night, Feb. 7, 2014.
(
Jed Kim/KPCC
)
Baristas at Dumb Starbucks offered patrons drinks in three sizes: Dumb Tall, Dumb Grande, and Dumb Venti.
(
Kevin Ferguson/KPCC
)
On Sunday, the coffee shop was swamped with curious coffee-seekers. Cups of joe and pastries were still free, as they were Friday and Saturday.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)
CDs were also at Dumb Starbucks: Dumb Nora Jones, Dumb Jazz Standards, and Dumb Taste of Cuba. The discs appeared to be for display only.
(
Kevin Ferguson/KPCC
)
Inside a "Dumb Starbucks" location in Loz Feliz on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.
(
Jed Kim/KPCC
)
Someone holds a "Dumb Starbucks" cup on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.
(
Jed Kim/KPCC
)
A sign at "Dumb Starbucks," Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.
(
Kevin Ferguson/KPCC
)
Amber at the Dumb Starbucks counter cheerful despite the onslaught. She can't or won't say what's up with the mystery pop up coffee house.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)
Update 2:46 p.m.: Starbucks Corporation looking into "Dumb Starbucks"
Starbucks spokesperson Megan Adams was short in her reply when asked questions about the "Dumb Starbucks" in Los Feliz that opened on Friday.
"Its obviously not a Starbucks," Adams said on Sunday afternoon.
UPDATE: Starbucks says 'Dumb Starbucks' can't use its name
She declined to respond to questions about whether this has ever happened before to the company, or whether it would take legal action.
"We are looking into it right now," Adams said.
RELATED: 'Dumb Starbucks': The real Starbucks responds; LA officials unconcerned about safety risks
Sponsored message
Messages left with people associated with "Dumb Starbucks" seeking comment have not been returned as of Sunday afternoon. Its Twitter account @DumbStarbucks has not been active since 10 a.m. Saturday.
Sat. Feb 8, 3:56 p.m.: A store labeled as "Dumb Starbucks," using the Starbucks corporate logo and bearing an almost identical look to an actual Starbucks, opened up in Los Feliz on Friday, according to employees.
It was open until about 6 p.m. Saturday and drinks were free as part of what a barista called a "grand opening."
The coffee shop reopened again Sunday morning and coffee was again free. Dozens of people could be seen waiting in line to get in.
Tweet: 1-hour wait at Dumb Starbucks
Messages left with people associated with "Dumb Starbucks" seeking comment have not been returned. Messages left with Starbucks Corporation have also not been returned.
The menu was limited.
Sponsored message
On Sunday, there still was no business license or health code rating posted in the establishment. The baristas said they were hired from Craigslist.
Despite the popularity, customers seemed confused about what exactly was going on.
"I saw online that there was a Dumb Starbucks sign. One of my friends posted about it, and I live across the street, so I just walked over," Jonathan Brown told KPCC. He described it as "weirdly off-kilter," with everything looking like a regular Starbucks except for the word "dumb" in front of it.
Brown speculated that it might be either an art project or a TV prank show.
The @dumbstarbucks Twitter account was already picking up steam Saturday. Television writer Dan Harmon was among those tweeting about it:
Sponsored message
"The Office" actor Rainn Wilson tweeted about the location as well:
The store also offered a frequently asked questions list, which you can read below. They cite parody and fair use law as allowing them to run the business, and say they don't actually think Starbucks is dumb, but that they had to say so to be protected by fair use law.
You can find the... whatever it is at 1802 Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz.
KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.
Sponsored message
This story has been updated.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
