FOT Forum

The Best Show on WFMU => Show Discussion => Topic started by: fletcher munson on November 29, 2009, 08:59:12 PM

Title: Bad Business Names
Post by: fletcher munson on November 29, 2009, 08:59:12 PM
Hairs To You

(men's barbershop)

go!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: hugman on November 29, 2009, 09:20:31 PM
I actually think this is a great business name, but for some it would fall into this category.  In St. Louis, where I grew up, there was a construction company whose trucks bore their name: Big Boy's Steel Erection.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: amiright?? on November 29, 2009, 09:21:12 PM
Hairs To You

(men's barbershop)

go!

Lick - a - Chick

(Drive in Chicken Restaurant)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: thom on November 29, 2009, 09:24:19 PM
There are a few Computer Tune and Lube locations in Connecticut. I thought it was a bad name for an electronics repair shop but it's actually a terrible name for a car repair shop.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: scratchbomb on November 29, 2009, 09:40:26 PM
There's a barber shop on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn called STREETGANGS.COM BARBER SHOP.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Jixby Phillips on November 29, 2009, 09:48:28 PM
There's a place in Redding, CA called "SASSY PLANTS"

what's worse: The sign for it isn't sassy-looking at all. It's quite drab, actually.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: moonshake on November 29, 2009, 09:55:04 PM
Hairway 2 Heaven, Dead Rockstar (tattoos).
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on November 29, 2009, 09:55:41 PM
"Felt Kids"

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: buffcoat on November 29, 2009, 10:01:37 PM
There are a few Computer Tune and Lube locations in Connecticut. I thought it was a bad name for an electronics repair shop but it's actually a terrible name for a car repair shop.

I believe that's a Jock Squad service.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: yesno on November 29, 2009, 10:48:21 PM
A Little Off the Top: a topless hair salon for men I seem to recall being in Brick NJ in the 90s.

Loaf'n'Jug is a little chain of gas stations/convenience stores in the western states.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: nec13 on November 29, 2009, 11:14:11 PM
Chick King-the name of a restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh
Wiener World-the name of a combination adult bookstore/hot dog shop in Downtown Pittsburgh (was torn down about 10 years ago)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on November 29, 2009, 11:25:00 PM
Wiener World-the name of a combination adult bookstore/hot dog shop in Downtown Pittsburgh (was torn down about 10 years ago)

I call bullshit! No! that is not actually possible.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Cotton on November 29, 2009, 11:34:07 PM
I live right down the street from a 24 hour adult bookstore called "Toy Box".

this isn't so bad really. Or it wouldn't be if there wasn't a massive billboard in front of it with the words "Toy Box" and a drawing of a stuffed bear.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: nec13 on November 29, 2009, 11:34:25 PM
Wiener World-the name of a combination adult bookstore/hot dog shop in Downtown Pittsburgh (was torn down about 10 years ago)

I call bullshit! No! that is not actually possible.

I'm not kidding. Besides, I'm not creative (or funny) enough to make up something like this.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Keith Whitener on November 29, 2009, 11:43:13 PM
The adult book stores I see most often are just called Adult Books.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on November 29, 2009, 11:50:44 PM
I always hated the smoothie-booth chain Maui Wowie.
Also, there is a kid's clothing store in town that bothers me so badly I cringe every time I pass by it: Shoe Wee.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: paul on November 29, 2009, 11:53:27 PM
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/money/money-matters/amputee-peng-shuilin-opens-bargain-supermarket-called-half-man-half-price-store/story-fn300aev-1225798438064

a chinese man who had his legs amputated opened a store called Half Man Half Price.

there's a picture of the guy so i'm just posting a link in case it would freak anyone out.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on November 29, 2009, 11:54:19 PM
A few miles away from where I am now (New London, CT) there's a gas station convenience store called "Pump N' Munch."  Up the road a little way, there's a deli called "Jared's Packy," which just sounds weird to Americans, but overtly racist to British people (who are in the area fairly often for theater-related reasons).
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Dan B on November 29, 2009, 11:55:15 PM
the worst (best) named grease truck in New Brunswick: Mr. C's Munch Mobile
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on November 29, 2009, 11:56:25 PM
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/money/money-matters/amputee-peng-shuilin-opens-bargain-supermarket-called-half-man-half-price-store/story-fn300aev-1225798438064

a chinese man who had his legs amputated opened a store called Half Man Half Price.

there's a picture of the guy so i'm just posting a link in case it would freak anyone out.

I was wondering before I opened the link why a picture of an amputee would freak anyone out- since amputees are kind of common-ish.
But now I can see your point- Wow!
That's not really a "bad" business name per se, I think it is pretty awesome once you know the background. Kudos to the guy!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: gravy boat on November 30, 2009, 12:18:11 AM
There was a corner store in Brooklyn near my old place that had a kind of weird spelling. It was the "Colon Deli."  It was supposed to be Spanish -- "Colón" with an accent but they did not have that on the signs or t-shirts.

They also had a weird promotion -- if you wore one of their t-shirts, you got 25% off a six-pack of Budweiser.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: buffcoat on November 30, 2009, 12:57:26 AM
It's a Weiner is a hotdog place in RTP.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Big Plastic Head on November 30, 2009, 01:29:26 AM
Hair salon in town: "Getter Done"

(gotta get outa this town...)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: stephen on November 30, 2009, 02:09:43 AM
G. Allen's restaurant/sports bar in Sartell, MN.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on November 30, 2009, 05:08:55 AM
the worst (best) named grease truck in New Brunswick: Mr. C's Munch Mobile

That is awesome!

My coworker, Joel, is currently telling me that in Irwindale, CA, he's seen a radiator repair shop with a bad slogan, as opposed to a bad name.  The slogan being:  "A good place to take a leak!"

I also find that Bass Pro Shop has painted themselves into a corner, because I know a LOT of people who constantly refer to it as "Pro Bass Shop."*



*probe ass shop ... now you get it?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: masterofsparks on November 30, 2009, 06:45:00 AM
I don't think it's open anymore, but I distinctly remember driving past an establishment called "Poopie's Carryout" in Covington, KY.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: masterofsparks on November 30, 2009, 06:45:29 AM
A few miles away from where I am now (New London, CT) there's a gas station convenience store called "Pump N' Munch."  

This wins, by the way.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on November 30, 2009, 07:36:32 AM
Sorry.  I screwed up.  "Felt Kids" is a terrible name of a product, not a business.

So let me try again: The Vinyl Solution.  It is a record store in Portchester, NY.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat K on November 30, 2009, 08:13:32 AM
One that's close to my heart: the Western New York chain of funeral homes owned by the Amigone family.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: yesno on November 30, 2009, 08:58:07 AM
Sorry.  I screwed up.  "Felt Kids" is a terrible name of a product, not a business.

So let me try again: The Vinyl Solution.  It is a record store in Portchester, NY.

Where else are you going to pick up RaHoWa bootlegs?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on November 30, 2009, 09:46:35 AM
I'm a big fan of the Pump N' Munch -- I was actually thinking of taking a pic and posting it here.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: masterofsparks on November 30, 2009, 10:10:19 AM
I'm a big fan of the Pump N' Munch -- I was actually thinking of taking a pic and posting it here.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=Pump%20%27n%27%20Munch&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: moonshake on November 30, 2009, 10:17:51 AM
(http://imgur.com/jpGob.jpg)

Ughh.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on November 30, 2009, 10:18:29 AM
Shit, there are a lot of those.  None of them seem to be of the New London Pump N' Munch.  

By the way, I keep looking for the Condo Fucks or other New London scene bands, but I can't seem to find them.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat K on November 30, 2009, 10:32:41 AM
I'm a big fan of the Pump N' Munch -- I was actually thinking of taking a pic and posting it here.

"Pump N' Munch" sounds like it's one of those "gentleman's latte" coffeeshops from "Idiocracy". 
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: put_it_away on November 30, 2009, 10:49:59 AM
In college, I used to work at a video store called Flicks 'n' Licks. We also served frozen yogurt.

And yes, we had an adult section.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on November 30, 2009, 11:02:56 AM
Sorry.  I screwed up.  "Felt Kids" is a terrible name of a product, not a business.

So let me try again: The Vinyl Solution.  It is a record store in Portchester, NY.

Where else are you going to pick up RaHoWa bootlegs?

No kidding.  I just googled "Vinyl Solution" and the name seems to be quite popular for record stores and record labels.  What are people thinking?  Or not thinking?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on November 30, 2009, 11:07:35 AM

No kidding.  I just googled "Vinyl Solution" and the name seems to be quite popular for record stores and record labels.  What are people thinking?  Or not thinking?

Yeah, it's a bit like a tattoo ... choose the name of your business carefully, because you're going to have to live with it.

On the other hand, maybe this is that weird marketing principle where it doesn't matter if you think the name is good or bad, it just matters that you remember it.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: fonpr on November 30, 2009, 11:13:25 AM
Shit, there are a lot of those.  None of them seem to be of the New London Pump N' Munch.  

By the way, I keep looking for the Condo Fucks or other New London scene bands, but I can't seem to find them.

If you're gonna be there a while.  Zip over to Niantic and check out the Book Barn.  What a place.  Overflow location downtown. 
The main place truly was a barn with numerous out lying buildings (sheds) dedicated to various genres.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: gravy boat on November 30, 2009, 12:24:09 PM
Sorry.  I screwed up.  "Felt Kids" is a terrible name of a product, not a business.

So let me try again: The Vinyl Solution.  It is a record store in Portchester, NY.

Where else are you going to pick up RaHoWa bootlegs?

No kidding.  I just googled "Vinyl Solution" and the name seems to be quite popular for record stores and record labels.  What are people thinking?  Or not thinking?

Not shooting the messenger but this sort of ruined my morning. One is horrific. Two is .. I don't know, jeez.

Edit: Mood equilibrium restored. Saw the new Ted Leo album cover in another thread. Everything is going to be OK.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on November 30, 2009, 01:10:15 PM
Sorry.  I screwed up.  "Felt Kids" is a terrible name of a product, not a business.

So let me try again: The Vinyl Solution.  It is a record store in Portchester, NY.

Where else are you going to pick up RaHoWa bootlegs?

No kidding.  I just googled "Vinyl Solution" and the name seems to be quite popular for record stores and record labels.  What are people thinking?  Or not thinking?

Not shooting the messenger but this sort of ruined my morning. One is horrific. Two is .. I don't know, jeez.

Edit: Mood equilibrium restored. Saw the new Ted Leo album cover in another thread. Everything is going to be OK.

Sorry, Gravy Boat. I did not mean to ruin your morning. 
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: mcphee from the forum on November 30, 2009, 01:29:53 PM
there's a van often parked next to my apt building that says E.D. Plumbing on the side
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: mcphee from the forum on November 30, 2009, 01:42:55 PM
and there used to be a place on Houston called Desk n' Desk

two guesses as to what they sold there
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on November 30, 2009, 01:59:13 PM
I was just in a mall and counted no less than three stores with the word "extreme" in their name. One store was simply "Extreme."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on November 30, 2009, 02:22:52 PM
I was just in a mall and counted no less than three stores with the word "extreme" in their name. One store was simply "Extreme."

Extreme is likely required to be pressurized, right? Would extreme be in a aerosol can?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: masterofsparks on November 30, 2009, 02:43:27 PM
I was just in a mall and counted no less than three stores with the word "extreme" in their name. One store was simply "Extreme."

Did you spot any photos of Nuno Bettencourt in any of them?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat K on November 30, 2009, 02:49:44 PM
One store was simply "Extreme."

I think I've been in there, actually. Matsuflex is the greeter. He just throws basketballs into your face.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on November 30, 2009, 03:43:42 PM
I think I've been in there, actually. Matsuflex is the greeter. He just throws basketballs into your face.

Those basketballs are fragrance testers. Each one has been soaked in his personally endorsed cologne, Tribal Tat' Tease.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: samir on November 30, 2009, 04:58:30 PM
I was just in a mall and counted no less than three stores with the word "extreme" in their name. One store was simply "Extreme."

Did you spot any photos of Nuno Bettencourt in any of them?

I was thinkin' it too.

Also, near my folks' place is Wings N' Weenies.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on November 30, 2009, 06:04:06 PM
There is also a depressing little place a few blocks away from me called The Happy Pants Cafe, complete with a mortifying awning with pictures of dancing pants with smiley faces drawn in them.

I apologize for bringing it up.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on November 30, 2009, 06:05:05 PM
There is also a depressing little place a few blocks away from me called The Happy Pants Cafe, complete with a mortifying awning with pictures of dancing pants with smiley faces drawn in them.

I apologize for bringing it up.

How amazing. Pants are usually very funny. This place sounds like the opposite of funny.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Martin on November 30, 2009, 06:27:28 PM
I have several great examples of bad business names, but they're all in Swedish and impossible to translate without losing the funny.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on November 30, 2009, 06:38:19 PM
Fredericks, I love the Book Barn, and the downtown overstock store.  I'm only here for one more day, but I've been considering checking it out.  Except that the last couple of times I was there I left with a couple grocery bags worth of books I haven't gotten around to reading yet.  And those visits were in 2006 and 2008.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: masterofsparks on November 30, 2009, 07:47:00 PM
Way too gross to have been mentioned on the air, and I'm not sure if it should even be mentioned since the proprietors are clearly in on the joke, but:

(http://www.funnyhub.com/content_images/3145_1573_bunghole-liquors.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: mike a on November 30, 2009, 08:10:14 PM
There used to be a Chinese place called "Fried World" on 8th or 9th Ave. in NYC near Penn Station.  I wish I had a picture.

And "A Time To Kiln" used to have a location near my old apt in Hoboken.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat K on November 30, 2009, 08:55:30 PM
This isn't really a bad business name, more of a bad logo/motto. But I tease my friend who is a painting contractor pretty frequently about the prominent Sherwin Williams logos that he displays on a lot of his stuff, along with their motto, "Cover the Earth"

(http://www.collegegrad.com/images/company_logo/139.jpg)

I find this kind of terrifying, and an awful choice for a brand. "Sherwin Williams: the company that wants to DROWN THE WORLD IN PAINT!"
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: crumbum on November 30, 2009, 10:56:01 PM
Today I saw a salon in Hamilton Ontario called 'Hairilicious'. Then on the way back to Toronto I passed a panel van with the business name 'Reefer Sales'.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: KickTheBobo on December 01, 2009, 08:08:03 AM
There used to be this shady used car lot in my town called Cyber Auto Sales. That name always cracked me up.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on December 01, 2009, 09:24:23 AM
Growing up, there was a business concern down the street called "Midget Louver."  Made me giggle as a kid, still makes me giggle as a grown up.

"Swanky Franks" in Westport, CT is another ridiculous one in my opinion. There is nothing swanky about a frank.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: put_it_away on December 01, 2009, 12:05:33 PM
The local plumbers are called TURD BUSTERS.

Sadly, I can't find their logo online, but it is exactly like the Ghostbusters logo, but with a turd instead of a ghost.

http://yellowpages.aol.com/business/va/roanoke/turd-busters/0-117848716/?query=Drainage+Contractors&fromSearch=%26query%3DDrainage+Contractors%26area%3DCave+Spring%2C+VA

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Big Plastic Head on December 01, 2009, 12:09:29 PM
Sweet Septic (http://www.sweetseptic.com/).

(Used to live near their business)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: fonpr on December 01, 2009, 01:19:27 PM
Sweet Septic (http://www.sweetseptic.com/).

(Used to live near their business)
There's a septic company around here who's motto is "If you don't sh*t, we don't eat".
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Lothar_Brightblade on December 01, 2009, 02:02:20 PM
This isn't so much of a bad business name but rather a bad business idea. In our little college town north of Cincinnati there is about a mile of businesses on the main drag and not much after that. currently they are building a new restaurant (I guess). It is called Self-Serve Yogurt.

Just what I always wanted.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat K on December 01, 2009, 02:53:52 PM
Sweet Septic (http://www.sweetseptic.com/).

My nickname back in highschool, incidentally.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Harpsichord on December 01, 2009, 03:25:35 PM
This isn't so much of a bad business name but rather a bad business idea. In our little college town north of Cincinnati there is about a mile of businesses on the main drag and not much after that. currently they are building a new restaurant (I guess). It is called Self-Serve Yogurt.

Just what I always wanted.
There's a business in a nearby town called The Attitude Adjustment Shoppe (http://www.attitudeadjustmentshop.com/index.html).  It's a combination liquor store and 'business center'.  Maybe not a "bad" business name / concept, but certainly weird. 

Because, you know, when I go to Kinkos, I think 'where's all the alcohol?'.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: samir on December 01, 2009, 03:33:48 PM
Not as awfully pun-based as others, but the store TUESDAY MORNING really annoys me.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: fonpr on December 01, 2009, 03:52:14 PM
when I go to Kinkos, I think 'where's all the alcohol?'.

Me too!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on December 01, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
I don't think you're properly repulsed...

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4151444366_be8def41bd.jpg)

The awning isn't out all the way, but you get the idea... DANCING PANTS!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 01, 2009, 05:14:06 PM
I don't think you're properly repulsed...

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4151444366_be8def41bd.jpg)

The awning isn't out all the way, but you get the idea... DANCING PANTS!

Christ, is that over on 8th or 9th? I think I"ve seen that place.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Martin on December 01, 2009, 05:41:22 PM
This isn't so much of a bad business name but rather a bad business idea. In our little college town north of Cincinnati there is about a mile of businesses on the main drag and not much after that. currently they are building a new restaurant (I guess). It is called Self-Serve Yogurt.

Just what I always wanted.
There's a business in a nearby town called The Attitude Adjustment Shoppe (http://www.attitudeadjustmentshop.com/index.html).  It's a combination liquor store and 'business center'.  Maybe not a "bad" business name / concept, but certainly weird. 

Because, you know, when I go to Kinkos, I think 'where's all the alcohol?'.

If I may derail the thread a bit: I love combo stores. The weirder the better. And when I say "love" I mean, you know, love to look down on and laugh at.

I remember reading an article in my local paper about combo stores a couple of years ago; one of those desperate attempts by a writer to find a new trend. What's new? Can't write about all the new coffee shops... combo stores! The newest latest. Of course, the trend never really took off, at least not here. How I dreamed about a butcher / record shop, a hair salon / sushi joint, or juice bar / funeral parlor. My neighborhood ended up with a combined barber and art framer guy, but that's about it.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: yesno on December 01, 2009, 06:03:55 PM
Loveland, Colorado has a Bible and Wig store.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on December 01, 2009, 06:52:21 PM
Christ, is that over on 8th or 9th? I think I"ve seen that place.

It's on Court St by Carroll Park. It's the place that never has anything in it and has perpetually "just run out" of soy milk.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: gravy boat on December 01, 2009, 06:57:12 PM


If I may derail the thread a bit: I love combo stores. The weirder the better. And when I say "love" I mean, you know, love to look down on and laugh at.

I remember reading an article in my local paper about combo stores a couple of years ago; one of those desperate attempts by a writer to find a new trend. What's new? Can't write about all the new coffee shops... combo stores! The newest latest. Of course, the trend never really took off, at least not here. How I dreamed about a butcher / record shop, a hair salon / sushi joint, or juice bar / funeral parlor. My neighborhood ended up with a combined barber and art framer guy, but that's about it.

I worked at a family-owned pharmacy in high school that fell on hard times when the discount national-brand pharmacy opened nearby.  My boss somehow came across a video store [pre-Netflix days] that was going out of business, bought up all the stock, devoted a row in the pharmacy to movies, and -- presto -- we became a combo pharmacy-video store. Weird.  Although we did not carry smut, there were about a dozen movies of girls in bikinis shooting machine guns. One aisle over from the denture adhesive.  Also, since the boss was not up on new movies, he was pretty content to just rent out what we had and not get any new releases. Or even put up a TV to preview movies.  

It really confused the long-time customers, who were mainly elderly and just looking for their monthly pills. No one really bothered renting the videos either. There were about 6 forms to fill out if you wanted to.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: JustSheaNo on December 01, 2009, 07:04:24 PM
There's a barber shop on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn called STREETGANGS.COM BARBER SHOP.

I bet you didn't know there was a website (http://streetgangnyc.com/) to go with the name.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: nec13 on December 01, 2009, 10:46:01 PM
Not so much a bad business name, but rather a bad business motto. There used to be a local carpet cleaning service that used the slogan, "We really suck."

Not surprisingly, they went out of business.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Tim K in DC on December 02, 2009, 05:22:28 AM
There is this small pizza chain in Rhode Island called Pizza Hollywood. The name made me so angry every time I saw it that it took me years to add it up that the name is (I guess?) an incredibly bad take off of Planet Hollywood ("Pizza Hollywood. Get it? Get it?"). When I realized that that was what (I think) they were getting at, it kind of made sense, but not really. Not at all. It's so dumb and infuriating. I mean, just listen to their website: http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html (http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 02, 2009, 05:53:14 AM
Christ, is that over on 8th or 9th? I think I"ve seen that place.

It's on Court St by Carroll Park. It's the place that never has anything in it and has perpetually "just run out" of soy milk.

Okay, I was way off. It looks like one of those weird bars in the "new" Hell's Kitchen near the Port Authority.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 02, 2009, 05:54:28 AM
There is this small pizza chain in Rhode Island called Pizza Hollywood. The name made me so angry every time I saw it that it took me years to add it up that the name is (I guess?) an incredibly bad take off of Planet Hollywood ("Pizza Hollywood. Get it? Get it?"). When I realized that that was what (I think) they were getting at, it kind of made sense, but not really. Not at all. It's so dumb and infuriating. I mean, just listen to their website: http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html (http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html)

I love that you're still so pissed about it! There are things like this that have me hissing and spitting for years ...
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Wes on December 02, 2009, 09:06:19 AM
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2191036631_278aaeb229.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on December 02, 2009, 09:39:31 AM
Okay, I was way off. It looks like one of those weird bars in the "new" Hell's Kitchen near the Port Authority.

You're right!!! It looks like it should be between a bar that gives away a hot dog with every drink and a failing tapas restaurant.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Sir Doctor President on December 02, 2009, 05:34:01 PM
Bed-Stuy Barbers in Dublin... Ireland.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on December 02, 2009, 08:06:45 PM
Bed-Stuy Barbers in Dublin... Ireland.
yeah, what kind of restaurant uses ellipses in its name??
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: sonicdork on December 02, 2009, 08:17:29 PM
Christ, is that over on 8th or 9th? I think I"ve seen that place.

It's on Court St by Carroll Park. It's the place that never has anything in it and has perpetually "just run out" of soy milk.

Okay, I was way off. It looks like one of those weird bars in the "new" Hell's Kitchen near the Port Authority.

Haha! It does look like one of those places. I work on 38th and 8th.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on December 03, 2009, 12:38:52 AM
Passed a sign shop on Fairfax Ave. here in L.A. today called Signtist. This name is so stupid that they had to make sure everyone got the "joke" by changing the color of the neon for S-i-g-n (in red) and t-i-s-t (in yellow).
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Tim K in DC on December 03, 2009, 03:33:10 AM
There is this small pizza chain in Rhode Island called Pizza Hollywood. The name made me so angry every time I saw it that it took me years to add it up that the name is (I guess?) an incredibly bad take off of Planet Hollywood ("Pizza Hollywood. Get it? Get it?"). When I realized that that was what (I think) they were getting at, it kind of made sense, but not really. Not at all. It's so dumb and infuriating. I mean, just listen to their website: http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html (http://pizzahollywood.com/Home.html)

I love that you're still so pissed about it! There are things like this that have me hissing and spitting for years ...

Yeah, I need to relax.

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on December 03, 2009, 10:10:27 PM
This is more bad graphic design than bad naming, but there's a barber shop by me called "On Point" and their logo is a vaguely-PE-like guy's head in some crosshairs, which is not the most positive association I can think of.  I can't find a picture online, but if I can remember I'll take one.  Someone was actually shot not far from it recently.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Pat on December 03, 2009, 10:48:25 PM
I can't tell if this is bad or good but there's an exercise place I always see called Sweat Shop.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: MPLS_Matt on December 04, 2009, 09:56:20 AM
I know this is a little late, but I just heard the 6 hour show and wanted to chime in! I used to live in Mesa, Arizona (a suburbu of Phoenix) where there is a large mormon population. There was a movie rental place that rented highly edited versions of popular movies called Clean Flicks. The name isnt really the bad part, they were located in a small storefront in a strip mall and didnt have much room for their sign, it was all crunched together and in capital letters. When the sign was lit up at night the L and the I were too close together and it look like it said something else... I'll keep it at a hard G and let you figure out what it looked like!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Al Czervik on December 05, 2009, 08:46:33 AM
I used to work a lot in the area of Route 18 and Route 1 around East Brunswick and always laughed at the store called "Mainly Baby." It always looked like it said "Manly Baby" to me.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: scratchbomb on December 05, 2009, 09:03:17 AM
I saw this unfortunately named business the last time I was in London; it's on Kensington High Road, near Hyde Park.

(http://www.scratchbomb.com/images/shemale.JPG)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: MikeInManhattan on December 05, 2009, 09:49:56 AM
I saw this unfortunately named business the last time I was in London; it's on Kensington High Road, near Hyde Park.

(http://www.scratchbomb.com/images/shemale.JPG)

I wonder what they mean by "alterations."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: emma on December 05, 2009, 05:34:53 PM
The guy who called in with 'the merchant of tennis' may not have ever seen it, but it's definitely real and located in Toronto. Also, the dude who brought up 'i feel like crepe' forgot another gem just a few blocks away-there's a tailor/clothing repair place called 'boulevard of broken seams,' which seems a little excessive, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: furnstein on December 05, 2009, 08:35:13 PM
There is an old business advertisement on the side of a building in West Philadelphia.  The business was called Union Roofing, and their slogan was "For The Final Solution."  

I can't imagine they had too many Jewish customers.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Reeleyes on December 05, 2009, 09:41:38 PM
I mentioned it on the chat during that show but there is a gay bar in Chicago called "The Nutbush". I don't know if it started as a gay bar or if the name just attracted a certain clientele.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: jherrycurl on December 06, 2009, 06:15:56 PM
On Dundas St. in Toronto there is a store called "Licks N' Clicks" that is on the first floor a burger joint and on the second floor a computer repair store.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 06, 2009, 06:59:16 PM
On Dundas St. in Toronto there is a store called "Licks N' Clicks" that is on the first floor a burger joint and on the second floor a computer repair store.

Clicks I get. Licks, though? Who the fuck licks their burgers? Now, if it was a guitar store, that'd be different.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: mike a on December 06, 2009, 10:58:23 PM
I mentioned it on the chat during that show but there is a gay bar in Chicago called "The Nutbush". I don't know if it started as a gay bar or if the name just attracted a certain clientele.

Back in college, I used to call businesses and do marketing surveys.  The only one I remember by name is a gay bar called "The White Swallow."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: colonel panic on December 07, 2009, 10:01:01 AM
(http://imgur.com/jpGob.jpg)

Ughh.

yeah! I was thinking about this place while reading this thread.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Jonathan Steven on December 07, 2009, 01:21:52 PM
A truck bearing the KISS fence logo was driving alongside me on the PA Turnkpike recently.  They stole the logo and everything!


http://www.kissfence.com/

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Reeleyes on December 07, 2009, 04:50:36 PM
(http://imgur.com/jpGob.jpg)

Ughh.

yeah! I was thinking about this place while reading this thread.

That name is sketchy even if it was spelled correctly.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: amiright?? on December 07, 2009, 06:26:43 PM
On Dundas St. in Toronto there is a store called "Licks N' Clicks" that is on the first floor a burger joint and on the second floor a computer repair store.

Clicks I get. Licks, though? Who the fuck licks their burgers? Now, if it was a guitar store, that'd be different.

Licks is a hamburger chain all across that part of Ontario. It probably started out just with iced cream, and then expanded... Maybe?

That maybe applies ONLY to the last sentence.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: buffcoat on December 07, 2009, 09:42:26 PM
A truck bearing the KISS fence logo was driving alongside me on the PA Turnkpike recently.  They stole the logo and everything!


http://www.kissfence.com/




I can't believe Gene has let this one go by.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 07, 2009, 11:15:00 PM

I can't believe Gene has let this one go by.

Right, because even the half-assed, uncreative tributes must be brought to heel.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: KickTheBobo on December 07, 2009, 11:44:50 PM
Bad, as in BAD ASS...

taken on Rt 6 in Buzzard's Bay, MA

(http://kickthebobo.com/scagstransmission.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: heather on December 08, 2009, 04:21:13 AM
In Gainesville, Florida: (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/1160842625_eac57ff199.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 08, 2009, 07:35:43 AM
In Gainesville, Florida: (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/1160842625_eac57ff199.jpg?v=0)

Wow.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Wes on December 08, 2009, 09:21:48 AM
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2481180722_99af3e1b53.jpg?v=0)

I see these ads while going to work all the time, and I don't want to know any more about it because that would only ruin things.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on December 10, 2009, 04:49:44 AM
From Los Angeles:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/Unbelieveable%20Things/IMG00004-20091209-1150.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Regular Joe on December 10, 2009, 05:08:53 PM
(http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5359/3767499279fe1c010ab9.jpg)

None of those words begin with K.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: samir on December 10, 2009, 06:53:22 PM
There is a commercial on RIGHT NOW for a drug called AciPhex.

It sure got my attention.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: samir on December 11, 2009, 04:58:16 PM
At the mall, there's a store I didn't know about that sells all manner of sexy (skanky?) lingerie. This is the best pic I could find online, I hope you can read the name okay.

(http://www.usaaglass.com/portfolio-image/mall-fred.gif)

Of Hollywood = Of NPR.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on December 11, 2009, 07:16:40 PM
The New York Yankees
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DS1077 on December 13, 2009, 07:48:14 PM
In the Castro in San Francisco, I once saw a crepe restaurant called "Squat & Gobble".
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on December 14, 2009, 04:22:05 AM
In the Castro in San Francisco, I once saw a crepe restaurant called "Squat & Gobble".

I wish I could unread this.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: jbissell on December 14, 2009, 10:47:59 PM
Today, outside of Cincinnati, I drove by a sign for Tom Raper RVs (America's #1 RV dealer since 1964).

Also, several years ago in eastern South Dakota I saw a small auto-repair place called "Tranny World".
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on December 14, 2009, 11:21:24 PM
A Video Store Named Poorly...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Martin on December 15, 2009, 04:43:09 AM
PW, you don't have to post the same thing in multiple threads. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: harris on December 15, 2009, 09:05:00 AM
I used to routinely browse through cheap cds at Big A Pawn.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Wes on December 15, 2009, 09:36:09 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)

A VIDEO STORE NAMED DESIRE RADIO AD #1:
:30

CHILD ACTOR:  Yeah, I saw that video you wanted in the new releases bin at A Video Store Named Desire.

ADULT ACTOR: Oh?

CHILD ACTOR:  Yeah.

ADULT ACTOR: (CONFUSED) Well, oka-

CHILD ACTOR:  99 cents.

MUSIC:           A VIDEO STORE NAMED DESIRE JINGLE. UP AND OUT.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Chris L on December 15, 2009, 10:01:01 AM
A Video Store Named Poorly...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)

Personally, I always preferred They Call Me Mr. Tapes. 
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: The Brighamist on December 15, 2009, 01:47:17 PM
This is a movie theater in my hometown of Hereford, TX ("Beef capital of the world").

(http://imgur.com/pLmaY.jpg) (http://imgur.com/pLmaY.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: bonnaventure on December 15, 2009, 04:45:22 PM
I don't have time to look through the 9 pages, but I remember seeing the hotdogeria, as it wasn't too far from where I lived. Here is the google street view

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hotdogeria&sll=45.515783,-73.590249&sspn=0.010675,0.023324&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=hotdogeria&hnear=&ll=45.532874,-73.567283&spn=0,359.997084&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=45.532961,-73.567195&panoid=edQaZdKawqXHR5v1iu2Dsw&cbp=12,301.55,,0,15.69
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 15, 2009, 07:28:57 PM
A Video Store Named Poorly...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)

Personally, I always preferred They Call Me Mr. Tapes. 

I liked Mo'Beta Blues before they were forced out of business.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: jbissell on December 16, 2009, 06:05:41 PM
A Video Store Named Poorly...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)

Personally, I always preferred They Call Me Mr. Tapes. 

I liked Mo'Beta Blues before they were forced out of business.

Too bad it didn't last, they could've just changed the name to Mo'Better Blus.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: screamdracula on December 16, 2009, 10:16:29 PM
In my neighborhood there are two fantastic business names:

Breakey Prosthetics &
Knife Stalkers.

The Knife Stalkers logo is a hunting knife in a guy's hand being thrust downward.  I think they might actually know they cater to criminals.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on December 17, 2009, 02:29:52 PM
FAIL blog comes through:

http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader (http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: joe on December 17, 2009, 11:54:51 PM
FAIL blog comes through:

http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader (http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader)

Heh, I used to live near a "Let's Get Stoned Inc."  I wonder if there's more than one.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: amiright?? on December 18, 2009, 02:46:14 PM
A Video Store Named Poorly...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/16561_240628904921_564164921_439287.jpg)

Personally, I always preferred They Call Me Mr. Tapes. 

I liked Mo'Beta Blues before they were forced out of business.

Too bad it didn't last, they could've just changed the name to Mo'Better Blus.

I'm bookmarking this exchange.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on December 18, 2009, 02:50:57 PM
There's a Comedy Club in French Lick, IN called 'Laffghanistan'.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: NJL on December 18, 2009, 07:32:36 PM
There's a Comedy Club in French Lick, IN called 'Laffghanistan'.

That's gafawful.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: jbissell on December 19, 2009, 09:23:59 PM
Two new ones I saw on Michigan Ave. today: Preggers, and directly across from it, Glove Me Tender.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on December 20, 2009, 01:25:31 AM
Wood You Furniture store

Also a slogan found on an animal spay and neuter billboard: Don't Let Your Poochie Get Too Smoochie
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on December 20, 2009, 10:21:56 AM
There's a Vet in Martinsville, IN w/ the number: 349-PETS on the sign.

They don't take advantage of the fact that 349 = FIX
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Kim Kelly on December 20, 2009, 02:43:37 PM
There's a cupcake place here called 2 Girls and a Cupcake. I thought it was 2 Girls 1 Cupcake for a while.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Josh Fenderman on December 21, 2009, 01:45:44 PM
FAIL blog comes through:

http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader (http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader)

Heh, I used to live near a "Let's Get Stoned Inc."  I wonder if there's more than one.

I was about to post this. The one I know of is right near Doylestown, PA.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: gluvox on December 21, 2009, 08:45:20 PM
There's a Thai restaurant in L.A., near Virgil and Fountain I think, called Eat 'n' High.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: MikeInManhattan on December 23, 2009, 11:47:04 AM
There's a Thai restaurant in L.A., near Virgil and Fountain I think, called Eat 'n' High.

On Netflix, I have a stuffy documentary in my queue called Nietzsche and the Nazis, which sounds more like an ironic band name.

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Gregory on December 23, 2009, 05:20:35 PM
(http://www.smokinbowls.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/IMG00153.276175517_std.jpg)

Smokin' Bowls
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: NJL on December 23, 2009, 05:34:34 PM
(http://www.smokinbowls.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/IMG00153.276175517_std.jpg)

Smokin' Bowls

Oh my God, someone put Charlie Brown out.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Christina on December 26, 2009, 02:17:44 PM

On Netflix, I have a stuffy documentary in my queue called Nietzsche and the Nazis, which sounds more like an ironic band name.


Isn't that Lydia Lunch's new band?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on December 26, 2009, 04:42:15 PM
It's Menopausal Nietzsche and the Nazis, actually.

Hey-OOOOOO!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: MikeInManhattan on December 26, 2009, 10:20:36 PM
All this talk about Lunch has got me hungry... for subversion!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: joe on December 27, 2009, 06:29:47 PM
FAIL blog comes through:

http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader (http://failblog.org/2009/12/17/business-name-fail-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29&utm_content=Google+Reader)

Heh, I used to live near a "Let's Get Stoned Inc."  I wonder if there's more than one.

I was about to post this. The one I know of is right near Doylestown, PA.

That is the same one I know.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Fido on December 27, 2009, 10:04:22 PM
There's a cupcake place here called 2 Girls and a Cupcake. I thought it was 2 Girls 1 Cupcake for a while.

It might as well have been. I'm imagining pictures of mock-horrified faces on the walls. This is either the best or the worst business name I've read yet. I haven't yet decided which.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on January 01, 2010, 02:08:13 PM
We have "Ginger's Dollings and Cattywags" in my town. Someone please tell me what those are.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on January 01, 2010, 05:41:29 PM
2 brought to you by Martinsville, IN

Coffee shop 'Holy Grounds'

Second hand not-for-profit clothing store 'Christ's Closet'

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: btof on January 02, 2010, 10:20:08 AM
When I was driving thru Ohio, there was a motel called Meander Inn somewhere.

A new bar near my apartment in Chicago is called Fanta Sea
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: stephen on January 07, 2010, 03:04:07 PM
While driving through Starbuck, MN, I saw a billboard for something called "Dave's Doo-Wop Coffee Shop."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Sploops on January 07, 2010, 03:31:52 PM
Has anyone mentioned Bunghole Liquors in Peabody Mass? 
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: clodia83 on January 07, 2010, 04:15:40 PM
I often stayed in a hotel in Fayetteville, North Carolina that was opposite a chain fast food joint unfortunately named "The Wiener Works."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: DoodleJump! on January 07, 2010, 04:26:10 PM
passed this shop today: Three Girls and a Needle.
It's a hairweaving shop.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Emily on January 07, 2010, 04:44:43 PM
I like puns, so two business names that I find amusing, but might fall under the Bad Business Names game are:

A Salt and Battery (fish & chips shop)
Thai Me Up (Thai restaurant)

One business name I don't care for is:

Chat n' Chew (because it evokes imagery of one talking with their mouth full = impolite dining behavior)
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: clodia83 on January 07, 2010, 05:01:44 PM
In my home town in Connecticut, we had a ladies clothing boutique named "Getting Off."  In addition to the inuendo, I fail to see the connection to clothing.

Each year, local businesses and civic organizations sponsored the participation of young ladies of the town in the "Laurel Queen" pagent.  Needless to say, the young lady announced as being sponsored by "Getting Off" got plenty of giggles.  Fortunately, I was was sponsored by "Nalette Elevator."  The wife of the owner had a beard, but I got to ride in a pretty sweet convertable in the parade.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve of Bloomington on January 07, 2010, 07:02:46 PM
I like the sandwich shop inside our local Home Depot: Chew and Screw.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: mostlymeat on January 07, 2010, 07:46:43 PM
Baked In Telluride
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Reeleyes on January 07, 2010, 10:46:14 PM
This is not so much of a bad business name as a bad business concept.

http://www.herbstoastedsubs.com/menu.html (http://www.herbstoastedsubs.com/menu.html)

Only in Eugene.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on January 08, 2010, 02:20:07 AM
I like the sandwich shop inside our local Home Depot: Chew and Screw.

No way!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: btof on January 13, 2010, 06:00:08 PM
I like puns, so two business names that I find amusing, but might fall under the Bad Business Names game are:

A Salt and Battery (fish & chips shop)
Thai Me Up (Thai restaurant)

One business name I don't care for is:

Chat n' Chew (because it evokes imagery of one talking with their mouth full = impolite dining behavior)


Chat n' Chew used to have the best Mac n' Cheese.  But chew is one of the most unappealing words to use in a restaurant.  I also think A Salt and Battery is the cutest name for a fish & chip shop.  I miss that place dearly.

Your post reminded me of a restaurant in London with a Buddha as its logo called: Phat Phuck's

Classy
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on January 23, 2010, 12:28:01 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/jamesalvinbarron/IMG00101-20100122-13181.jpg)

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on January 23, 2010, 07:16:58 AM
Where on Earth is Chronic*Tacos?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on January 23, 2010, 11:57:43 AM
Chronic Tacos, not too far from Cheba Hut where everything is named after pot slang.

MAJIC MUSHROOM
SILVER HAZE
CHRONIC
DANK
PANAMA RED
SKUNK
ACAPULCO GOLD
STICKY ICKY
HEMP BROWNIES (supposedly legit)

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: samir on January 23, 2010, 12:07:06 PM
There's a similar place in Sarasota, called Munchies 420 Cafe (http://www.munchies420cafe.com/), which you may have seen on Man Vs. Food. Like the place IaBvT just mentioned, they go out of their way for menu items to be drug-inspired. The site literally spells it POTatoes, in case you can't tell what's going on.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on January 23, 2010, 12:21:25 PM
that's interesting that their mascot is a super skinny greaser wearing doc martens rather than a chubby high school kid with social problems who hates P.E., has an unkempt beard, and likes the band Primus.

not saying i knew anybody like that in high school, but merely "just saying".
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: P.W. on January 23, 2010, 10:55:57 PM
Steve- This particular location was south of Irvine, Ca off of the 5. A Google search brought to my attention that this is a southern Californian chain. I think that that makes it even worse.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: The Brighamist on February 28, 2010, 03:53:25 AM
I ate at The Old Spaghetti Factory (as chosen by the birthday girl) last night. The waiter was inattentive, the bread funny-tasting, the soup too peppery, the strawberry lemonade strawberryless, but when I was finally served my spaghetti, I couldn't complain, because it was just as advertised.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: badgrammer on February 28, 2010, 04:38:43 AM
I drove by a restaurant last night called "Stabby's Cafe".  It was closed (of course) so I couldn't go into get a closer look, even if I'd wanted to (but I don't think I do). It's not in the greatest of neighborhoods so...I guess that's appropriate.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on February 28, 2010, 04:47:07 AM
I ate at The Old Spaghetti Factory (as chosen by the birthday girl) last night. The waiter was inattentive, the bread funny-tasting, the soup too peppery, the strawberry lemonade strawberryless, but when I was finally served my spaghetti, I couldn't complain, because it was just as advertised.

You ain't wrong.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Kim Kelly on February 28, 2010, 10:37:01 AM
I keep getting emails about some place in the Design District of Miami called Emena Spa. I wonder if they do colonics.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Nigel on February 28, 2010, 11:24:37 AM
I mentioned it on the chat during that show but there is a gay bar in Chicago called "The Nutbush". I don't know if it started as a gay bar or if the name just attracted a certain clientele.

Back in college, I used to call businesses and do marketing surveys.  The only one I remember by name is a gay bar called "The White Swallow."

i searched nutbush just to make sure i wasnt throwing out an old one. it was in oak park though, not chicago (i think technically forest park, the street it's on splits the two towns.

it's closed now, i'm not sure exactly when it went out of business. it was on my route to and from high school. i never got the balls to go in, but i heard from someone (maybe my dad, actually) that it was like a completely seedy dive bar. like to the point where reasonable gay people wouldnt even want to go.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Nick F on February 28, 2010, 11:50:31 AM
I Feel Like Crepe is a crepe place here in town. It's near Eat My Martini and The Urban Thai. There's also an "artist consignment" store near those places called Repsycho.  Juggalo content?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: buffcoat on February 28, 2010, 05:54:20 PM
I ate at The Old Spaghetti Factory (as chosen by the birthday girl) last night. The waiter was inattentive, the bread funny-tasting, the soup too peppery, the strawberry lemonade strawberryless, but when I was finally served my spaghetti, I couldn't complain, because it was just as advertised.


What, old, right?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: slipperyslope on February 28, 2010, 11:43:07 PM
There was a franchise that opened some places locally,

"URBAN LOAF"


It was some kind of snack/sandwich shop I think?


But seriously. Urban Loaf was a name that made sure I never wanted to eat there.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Wes on March 01, 2010, 10:05:02 AM
I ate at The Old Spaghetti Factory (as chosen by the birthday girl) last night. The waiter was inattentive, the bread funny-tasting, the soup too peppery, the strawberry lemonade strawberryless, but when I was finally served my spaghetti, I couldn't complain, because it was just as advertised.


What, old, right?

I assume that, like any restaurant with the word Factory in its name, the food is produced by robots always on the verge of going out of control while Raymond Scott's "Powerhouse" plays in the background.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: buffcoat on March 01, 2010, 11:11:24 AM
I ate at The Old Spaghetti Factory (as chosen by the birthday girl) last night. The waiter was inattentive, the bread funny-tasting, the soup too peppery, the strawberry lemonade strawberryless, but when I was finally served my spaghetti, I couldn't complain, because it was just as advertised.


What, old, right?

I assume that, like any restaurant with the word Factory in its name, the food is produced by robots always on the verge of going out of control while Raymond Scott's "Powerhouse" plays in the background.


Another 2-second bit of the Warner Brothers "factory" music plays in my head as an almost constant loop, along with other pieces of music - the drum solo from the Alive! version of "Parasite," and on and on.

I'm sure that loop is another bit of Raymond Scott-ity, but it's not part of "Powerhouse," and I kind of don't want to hear it again, lest it become even more nightmarishly clear.

Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: SwamiPat on March 01, 2010, 02:41:01 PM
i saw a place called Rhythm and Beers. so bad it hurts.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: gravy boat on March 01, 2010, 03:49:26 PM
i saw a place called Rhythm and Beers. so bad it hurts.

During a horrid, yet thankfully brief, stretch of NJ and Maxwell's history, Maxwells was bought by someone who turned it into a brewpup. I think they mostly booked cover bands. I am positive that two of their beers were called "Alternative Ale" and "Percussion Porter." That will never be forgotten.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on March 01, 2010, 05:39:32 PM
This also suits the "stuff you hate" and the "pictures you took" thread, but here's Wi Pie.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4399764714_231222ffe0_o.jpg)

My wife pronounced it "wipey."
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: SwamiPat on March 02, 2010, 01:29:27 PM
i saw a place called Rhythm and Beers. so bad it hurts.

During a horrid, yet thankfully brief, stretch of NJ and Maxwell's history, Maxwells was bought by someone who turned it into a brewpup. I think they mostly booked cover bands. I am positive that two of their beers were called "Alternative Ale" and "Percussion Porter." That will never be forgotten.

the horror, the horror!
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: bakersfieldchimp on March 02, 2010, 01:51:14 PM
There’s a shop in the town where my ladyfriend lives that sells beads, and the name of the shop is “…a bead store”. That’s exactly how it’s written, ellipsis and in lowercase—it really smacks of low self esteem, if a shop can be said to have that. It also could be viewed as the response of anyone who was dragged in there without knowing where they were going ahead of time. “hey, where are we going? Someplace fun? Are we gonna go get ice cream…. Oh, I see. We’re going to …a bead store. I guess I’ll just wait in the car.”

On a similar topic, there’s a store nearby that specializes in scrapbooking stuff—it’s called “Scapbook Zone”, which is fine, I guess. Unfortunately (for them), the background on their had two colors, and as a result the “S” blended in with its background, making it look like the store was called “crapbook Zone”. It was a sad day (for me) when they got a new sign with a more discernable “S”.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Nigel on March 13, 2010, 04:58:52 PM
“hey, where are we going? Someplace fun? Are we gonna go get ice cream…. Oh, I see. We’re going to …a bead store. I guess I’ll just wait in the car."

http://achewood.com/index.php?date=04112005 ?
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: slipperyslope on March 16, 2010, 03:54:45 AM
This also suits the "stuff you hate" and the "pictures you took" thread, but here's Wi Pie.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4399764714_231222ffe0_o.jpg)

My wife pronounced it "wipey."

Ha ha!
Both the real version, and the interpreted version of the name are priceless.


Also, what an odd combo, pie and wifi?
I can see PIZZA and wifi, but is 'pie' really a thing like that?
I'll take coconut creme or pumpkin or custard please.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: badgrammer on March 20, 2010, 03:14:57 AM

BIONIC CLOWNS, INC.

I couldn't get a business description on this one.
Title: Re: Bad Business Names
Post by: Spoony on April 01, 2010, 12:46:05 PM

BIONIC CLOWNS, INC.

I couldn't get a business description on this one.


Bionic Clowns are pretty great until one of them gets sprayed with seltzer. Then it's either a homicidal malfunction or the discovery of love, and you never know which until it gets it's hands on you.