Dumb coffee or funny joke, the founder of the “Dumb Starbucks” parody store explained to Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night that the actual coffee chain and Los Angeles County health officials are not too amused by his stunt.
He didn’t seem too torn up about it.
“Starbucks did say some things in the news and to media outlets that weren’t so positive about this, and it’s fine — I am operating 100 percent legally using parody law,” Nathan Fielder, the man behind Dumb Starbucks and host of Comedy Central’s “Nathan for You,” told Kimmel. “I should say that if they do continue down this road, they risk losing me as a customer.”
Fielder struck the same deadpan humor throughout the interview, even when talking about the reaction of authorities to his store and the potential punishment he faces for operating it. The Los Angeles County Health Department shut down Dumb Starbucks Monday, saying that Fielder was operating without the proper permit.
“What they don’t understand is that, technically, legally speaking, we’re an art gallery, and the coffee we’re selling is the considered the art, so art galleries don’t need health permits,” Fielder said. “But also, by not having the proper health permits and paying those fees, we’re able to pass those savings onto the customers.”
Fielder added that in dealing with the health board, he learned the penalty for his actions is potentially up to six months in jail. Even if he were to suffer such a fate, though, he wouldn’t be alone.
“I’ll tell you something — if they put you in jail, I promise we’ll all come to visit you,” Kimmel said, gesturing to the audience.
