Locals Furious Over "Bad Ass Coffee Company" Name

[matcom]

:eyes:

<snip>

PALM BEACH GARDENS — When is a cup of java more like a caldron of controversy?

When it's served by an outfit that dares to call itself the Bad Ass Coffee Co.

The controversial coffee company, based in Salt Lake City, has more than 40 shops spread across 10 states, including five in Florida. The name has attracted anger elsewhere, but local governments have to accept it, says New York attorney Marc E. Ackerman, a specialist in First Amendment issues. 'There is little a municipality can do that would pass constitutional muster,' he says.

Since it opened its doors more than a week ago, this tropical-themed java joint has been brewing its fair share of community outrage.

Some local residents say the name, displayed on a banner and sign outside the store, is offensive. The PTA leadership of a local school, Timber Trace Elementary, has protested to the city council. And a former city official is calling for the municipality to look closely at its regulations to restrict such signs.

"If it's not in the code, then the code needs to be changed," says resident Steve Tarr, who was the city's planning and zoning commissioner from 2001-03.

Tarr says the store, in the PGA Commons plaza that fronts PGA Boulevard, is just too prominent to be ignored.

"In my house, we try and avoid any kind of language that's not appropriate. And to have my kids visualize it daily on two or three trips down PGA Boulevard is not something I'm in favor of," he says.

But store co-owner Tom Orosz says, "You hear worse on TV every day."

And he points out that the title refers to the legendary asses — er, donkeys — that carried coffee beans down from the mountains of Hawaii years ago. A donkey, in fact, is part of the growing national chain's logo.

But Orosz, who hopes to open other shops in Palm Beach County, doesn't exactly deny the play on words. "It's a name you don't forget," he says.

Company officials at the Salt Lake City-based chain, which has more than 40 shops spread across 10 states, including five in Florida, toe a similar line.

"If you don't realize a donkey is an ass, you have a real problem," says company representative Kris Alexakos, who also proudly notes the company's motto: "Coffee With an Attitude."

City officials say they could do with a little less attitude.

"It offends my sensibilities," says Palm Beach Gardens Vice Mayor Eric Jablin, a former restaurant owner himself. But he concedes the city may be powerless to do anything about it.

"Frankly, 'ass' is in the Bible," Jablin says.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2005/05/02/m1a_badcoffee_0502.html

[GOPisEvil]

1. OK, they're based in SLC and the Utahns have no issue with it?

Peddlers of caffiene AND called "Bad Ass Coffee"? You'd think the folks in Utah would be more up in arms.

:eyes:

[tk2kewl]

2. Ass may be in the Bible, but

this guy needs a little Bible in his Ass!

:evilgrin:

[Abelman]

3. Sounds like bad coffee.

It sounds like it tastes like crap.

(I couldn't resist!)

[DS1]

4. Ahh yes, but was ass Rogered in the bible, is the question

[redqueen]

5. Well you know this just HAS to be the worst thing in the city.

What issue could possibly take priority over the word 'ass'?

:eyes:

[dbonds]

6. Yet they say nothing about Badcock Furniture

That brings up lots of bad images (kind of like cockroaches), at least they should have called it Goodcock Furniture.

[matcom]

8. cock=bad

cock can NEVER be good to the wacko's

(unless Gannon is involved)

[Jara sang]

7. They will really hate Surfin' Ass Coffee Company, Home of Donkey Balls

http://donkey.sitewizard.biz/index.html

[The Animator]

9. I hope one opens up in Orlando... I would so go there.

[BigMcLargehuge]

10. that's why I am calling my coffee chain-

The Cocksure Pussycat!

[dbonds]

11. For a clucked up cup of coffee with a different tang.

[TlalocW]

12. I'm going to open up a Hooters franchise across from it

Oh, just think of the cooperative advertising campaigns we could launch.

TlalocW

[BigMcLargehuge]

13. I'll take the space on the corner for my pet grooming franchise

"Doggy Style" (where even the mangiest pooches get treated like supermodels)

[TlalocW]

17. Cool

I'll help you buy the space next to you so you can open up "Pussy Galore," a cat adoption agency.

TlalocW

[dbonds]

14. Since we are all openning coffee shops, I want to call mine Buch Fush.

[kick-ass-bob]

15. Does that mean they wouldn't like my screenname???

:sarcasm: :cry:

[matcom]

16. the entire state of Florida Hates You!!

is there a tall bridge near you?

[El Fuego]

18. It is actually just down the street from my office.

LOL, I didn't know this was going to be a national story! The uptight people give me one more reason to hate Palm Beach Gardens (I only work here, I wouldn't live here.)