BS: Inappropriate company names

Subject: BS: Inappropriate compant names
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 10:58 AM

Just driven behind a van proubly bearing the legend 'S & M plumbing and heating'. I was having visions of leather clad plumbers with spiked dog collars installing systems that freeze your knackers off and then scald you.

Any other suitably silly ones. Or is it just me that's strange?

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate compant names
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:02 AM

On some of my jobs I use a company called 'Schindlers's Lifts' yes, really!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate compant names
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:03 AM

Bit of a cock up on the s's there I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: redsnapper
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:10 AM

Wake and Paine: undertakers in Twickenham, UK

Wright, Hassell @ Co: solicitors (lawyers) in London

RS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: redsnapper
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:14 AM

Not a company name but the name of a chocolate bar available in continental Europe: Big Nuts

RS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Blowzabella
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:49 AM

One of the sponsors for one of our events was a Danish company called DONG - that was one website I never dared look up while i was at work!!! (They are actually very respactable and build wind farms)

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Blowzabella
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:50 AM

Oh - and not an inappropriate company name, as such, but I do remember a brand of contraceptive pill I used to take, which was made in, of all places, Maidenhead!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 12:40 PM

Fockink Gin!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 12:49 PM

1) We used to have a neighborhood Thai restaurant, Poo-Ping Palace.
2) Years ago my then young son would laugh with scatological delight when we would see a service station, Pass Gas.
3) That same then young son used to corrupt the name of the seaside, San Diego area community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea to Garbage-by-the-Sea.
In spite of this, and other foibles, he did turn out to be a fine young man.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 12:49 PM

In the village of Plockton in Scotland, the "Nessun Dorma Guest House"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Cool Beans
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 01:38 PM

There's the deliberately humorous Death Wish Piano Movers in Cambridge, Mass.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 01:40 PM

One I came across recently is a "visual."

A Plumber's Truck.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 02:25 PM

Actually, some very APPROPRIATE comapny names --

Company name on the side of a local (Portsmouth, NH) truck -- "Three Bricks Shy" can't remember if it was Masonry, Construction or Chimney Repair...

Up in Biddeford, Maine-- "Weed 'Em and Reap Garden Center".

In Chester, Vermont there used to be (might still be there) "A Night With a Native" Bed and Breakfast.

And my favorite antiques shop name (about 25 years ago in Portland, Maine) was "Remains to Be Seen".

Oh, and "Starving Artists Movers" here in New Hampshire.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:08 PM

When Chevrolet first introduced the Chevy Nova in Mexico, no one would buy them. "No va" in spanish means "doesn't go".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:12 PM

The French must find it strange to see English shop windows with big red signs saying 'DIRTY'.

And is it true that when fish fingers were first invented, they were going to be called 'battered cod-pieces'?

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:12 PM

On the road leading north out of London used to be a fireplace shop called 'North Road Grates' on the Great North Road.

There is a department in Companies House (based in Cardiff) whose job it is to veto dubious company names, but some slip through.... We had a 'Slappers Inc' which caused merriment around the office for a while.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:14 PM

We were amused some years ago in Spain to see lots of very small cars labelled 'SEAT 600'.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:24 PM

Dave's Tool and Pipe Works.

The other well known (West Country) Lawyers, Argue and Phibbs.

Singh & Singh Builders (You've tried the cowboys, now try the Indians).

A junk shop "Miss Elaineous".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,Scoville at Dad's
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 04:22 PM

When we were in DC this past spring there were port-o-potties owned by the A Royal Flush company.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 04:36 PM

A local tradesman drives a van with his name on it, Brian Plimmer.
His trade is plumber.
I always wonder if it is just dyslexic pre-determination.

Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Michael
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 04:47 PM

In Hull (UK)there were undertakers (funeral parlour) Boddy & Son.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bizibod
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 05:47 PM

Estate agents in Shropshire, Doolittle and Dalley.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 09:05 PM

One of the major Library suppliers in Sydney is S&M Library Suppliers.

Once they were called Shires & Municipalities cos they supplied office stuff for Local Government, but when they decided to specialise in Library stuff, they changed their name!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: open mike
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 09:36 PM

some interested names have been invented for radio shows

there is a law firm called Dewey Cheatham and Howe

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 10:26 PM

In Toowoomba

Mr Stool
Stools made to order

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: frogprince
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 10:39 PM

A fluke, but really visible on a business sign near us just now:
   
       TATTOOS FOR LEASE

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: RangerSteve
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 10:53 PM

Armegeddon Carpet Cleaners, in Brooklyn. I have know idea what their methods are.

in New York's China Town - a restaurant called Big Wong.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Rowan
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:02 PM

Near the Queen Vic market in Melbourne, when I was last there, was an adult sex shop
"The Jolly Roger
Pornbrokers to the gentry"

Cheer, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:08 PM

I like the ones where people name the biz after themselves when their name just isn't any good for promenading. It doesn't even have to make a funny phrase, it's just WRONG-- like Preston Boop Masonry in HUGE, perky lettrs on a roadside billboard-- coulden't somebuddy have told him it would have been better simply to be Acme?!?

(Is Betty his receptionist?!?!)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Alice
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:26 PM

This is my favorite, but not from a real company.
In the movie THE BLUES BROTHERS, Carey Fisher plays the angry girlfriend of John Belushi.
She ownes a beauty salon called
"Curl Up And Dye"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 11:58 PM

There is a real one in Sydney - or there was the last time I looked. It's a hairdressing salon at Castlecove with that name "Curl Up And Dye"

Here are a few more.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: coldjam
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:17 AM

We have a Dr. Looney nearby...never been to him...

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Chip2447
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:17 AM

our local phone book just arrived, with an advertisment on th spine of the book; I think I'll try any other law firm in the state (Mo)rather than this one..."Murphy Law firm" somehow it doesn't inspire much confidence in a smooth outcome.

There is a Local Car dealer by the name of Richard Head. Stereotypes aside, he is really a Dick Head.

You can find "eat here and get gas" signs all over the state.

Several years ago a local sporting goods store had as it's motto, "Liquor, guns and ammo" The motto was used for many years on signs, print and and recorded advertising, and yes,some numbskull tried to rob the place with a knife.

CHip2447

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:21 AM

There's a Dr Lazarus near us... often wondered if he was as good as his name, my first ever doctor was a Dr Payne but the best was a former dentist in Weymouth, Dorset - He was Ian Savage.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:34 AM

There's a legal firm called Trikham just down the road.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Kaleea
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 01:18 AM

Bonebraker Chiropractic

In Wichita, Kansas there was a chiropractor named Dr. Bonebraker!

No, I'm not making it up.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 05:54 AM

In Copenhagen, a shop selling trainers and such running gear, 'Athlete's Foot'

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:51 AM

Estate Agents long changed their name
German & Dutch

& the haulage companies
on the rear of the truck "C Butt" (and it needs wiping)
a company from the Village of Old in Northants - "Knights of Old"

I am told there is a chewing gum in Turkey rejoicing in the name of Spank Balls.

And Stook Hill estate agents had a promotion 20 years ago for kiddies to design clothes for Mr Stook Hill (a cartoon frog) which wasn't but should have been given the phrase "Dress Stook Hill"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:55 AM

"Dr. Bonebraker!"

Brisbane is named after Lord Brisbane - the original family name was Briesebane - he was a Norman who came over with William and had that nickname because he fought with a mace.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:57 AM

We have the 'Athlete's Foot' chain in Australia too.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mooh
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:10 AM

For a short while in Wiarton Ontario there was a shop called Lumpy's Donuts. Yeah, that's what they'll do to you!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: fat B****rd
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:20 AM

I have it on good authority that somewhere in Scotland there is a chip shop called "300 Spartans".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,Partridge
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:26 AM

We have a funeral director in dewsbury called Eric Box Ltd.
I also heard of a very posh hair dressers called "Air Hair Layer"
(say it out loud a few times)

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:36 AM

R. Sole, 6662 Delmar Boulevard, Suite A, 314-721-7653: This is a unique sneaker boutique for those who must have the latest and greatest.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:40 AM

Click on this link and scroll down to see picture of a company van

http://www.thatsweird.net/picture12.shtml

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 08:57 AM

Then there's the 'Dorset Snap-on Tools' company.... didn't know they snapped off!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Flash Company
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 10:31 AM

The Eye surgeon who treated Mum's cataracts was Dr Moriarty.
My favourite though, was a company on our local trading estate called The Europe and Africa Trading Company. Don't know who their advisers were, but , in an effort to shorten the name, they changed it to 'Eurafric'
Once heard their receptionist on the bus saying, 'Can you imagine what it's like answering the switchboard?'
Oh, an afterthought! The two local chippies are 'A fine Kettle of Fish' and 'The Frying Scotsman'

FC

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: *Laura*
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 10:35 AM

When I had some dental work done once the dentists involved were called Ms Aatack and Dr Skinner!!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 10:46 AM

The company who looks after the tyres on the firm's vehicles have this sign on the side of their van:

Taffy's
Wheel
And
Tyre
Specialists

I can send you a photo if you PM your email address to me!

I seem to remember the Dutch Bols liqueur company (based in Amsterdam) was taken over by another company called 'Fokking' - they nearly made a big mistake in the UK until someone pointed out the problem! Or is that an Urban Myth?

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 10:49 AM

There's a Asian firm of builders in Bolton, Lancs, and their van proudly proclaims 'You've had the cowboys, now try the Indians!'. Sadly, I don't yet have a photo - but I'm working on it!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Alice
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:09 AM

Gas station/convenience store chain in this region is now called Kum & Go.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:14 AM

The two local chippies are 'A fine Kettle of Fish' and 'The Frying Scotsman'

I think we've discovered another word that has distinctly different meanings in the US and Britain.

I assume that in Britain it means a take-out food place...

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:17 AM

Hah! No urban myth - Bols-Fockink Dry Gin really exists! I got the spelling slightly wrong...

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:27 AM

Bit of a stretch of the imagination but seeing as I have plenty...

Local company called R Swain. Often wondered if it the opposite of R Swax. Takes mooning to a (w)hole new level:-)

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:48 AM

Here in Maine my favorites include:

Dr. Kneebone - Chiropractor

Crocker & Worry - Attorneys

Blow Brothers - Portable Toilets (of course!)

Roll & Go - Sea Music Group (but Chinese Take-Out place in Lansing, Michigan)

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bizibod
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:52 AM

Hey ,fat B*****d,there's a "300 Spartans "chippy in Loughborough, Leicestershire ,too.
For several years I read it always as Zoo Spartans on account of the fancy writing. Seemed to make just as much sense either way....Still have absolutely no idea why a chippy should be so called, am I missing something obvious ?

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:08 PM

There was a Dr. Boozer in West Allis, Wisconsin (west 'burb of Milwaukee) back in the '60s. He was a dentist. I think I still have his business card around somewhere.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 01:13 PM

There's a chain of Turkish shops selling fridges, air-con, etc, called 'Arcelik'. (Celik means steel, I believe.) The French drink lemonade called 'Pschitt'.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 01:15 PM

Dr. Twocock, chiropractor. Hardi saw it in Canadia.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,LEJ
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 02:13 PM

Drving through Joplin Missouri, you can see a laerge industrial building with 20 foot high illuminated red letters saying FAG. I don't know what the product is, but I can imagine the poor rep sitting in some company lobby while the receptionist tells the owner "the FAG guy is here to see you."

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: robomatic
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 03:12 PM

In my business there's a common expression from shortening the term: "power generation" to powergen. Apparently there was (briefly) a web site called: powergen.italia

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: fat B****rd
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 03:24 PM

Haha ! Bizibod. Somebody noticed. The answer is that they were "battered in Greece"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bert
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 04:48 PM

"battered in Greece" LOL, good one. Though they did plenty of battering themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 05:02 PM

Again, not exactly a company name, but in 1964, in the mess hall at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland, we put big "bladders" of milk, in cardboard cartons, in dispensers for the troops. The boxes were labled "HOMO VD, SKAGSVILLE, MD."

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bizibod
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 05:52 PM

Battered in Greece ! Uproarious laughter! A most satisfactory explanation ! Thanks for that.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:02 PM

My sister-in-law ran a home-delivery curry business for a while, called "Curries On The Trot".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:03 PM

'Chippies' used to sell mainly fish and chips - but gradually also other (non-chain) fast food takeaways. They are always independently owned small outlets.

"Charley Noble"

ROFL...


There was a diving supplies shop called "Come Diving"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Anne Lister
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:22 PM

On good names for chippies .. my all time favourite is "A Fish Called Rhondda", up in the Rhondda valleys (Treorchy, I think), although the Codfather comes a good second.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:42 PM

This is a TRUE story. I couldn't make it up ... though I wished I had.

About ten years ago, in Everett, Washington (USA) they started building a large multi-story building across from my bank. For several weeks, we all wondered what they were "UP" to. Finally, came the very large sign: "This Building Is Being Built By The ERECTION COMPANY! WE GET IT UP FOR YOU!"

The day that sign went up, all the tellers in my bank were chortleing over it, and pointing it out to a few customers.

True story! It made the papers (mostly letters to the editor) and local TV. It turns out that this Bellevue based company get's lot's of mileage with that slogan. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: s&r
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 06:57 PM

"Gay Photographic Supplies" predated the current usage of the word. They changed it because the phone calls became more and more off topic

Stu

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 08:22 PM

An inadvertent name... The Swifton Shopping Center in Cincinnati Ohio was the first shopping mall I ever saw. It had a supermarket (the first one in town) and even a couple of outdoor kiddie rides, like helicopters, that you could ride for a dime. Quite a lively place! After a few years, some neglect started to manifest itself. The big neon sign began to say

Swifto hopping Center

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 04:19 AM

A litle takeaway shop - like a chippie but sold a wider range of quick foods, a bit like a cross with a deli -

The Taik Hawaii

(try the Aussie nasal accent)...

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Grab
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 05:51 AM

A friend had a very scary lecturer at uni. His name, appropriately, was Dr Fear.

One that kept us amused for a while on a school trip was noticing an electrical appliance shop in Austria called "Electrodick".

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 07:49 AM

Of course language vagaries help ... I remember a self-service shop dealing in Kickers in Lyon, France (where I was living at the time) which had a big neon sign that read "Kick Self" ...on the same street as a self-service restaurant that advertised "Grill Self".

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,John Gray in Oz
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 11:48 AM

A company I deal with in Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory, is called ;
Territory.
Instrument.
Testing.
Services.

JG/FME

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Grab
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 06:25 PM

Can't believe I forgot the surprisingly successful British electronic equipment manufacturer, "Wayne Kerr".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 06:33 PM

My village policemen were PC Crook and PC Pinches...

Really!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Desdemona
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 06:49 PM

I once stayed in a motel where my car was parked next to a panel truck sporting the legend "Acme Erectors: Our Erections Are Hard To Beat"!

~D

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Melani
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 10:20 PM

Phuket Thai restaurant in San Francisco is always a big favorite, though I'm told it IS pronounced differently.

But the absolutely all-time best is still the First Unitarian Church of Kensington, which for obvious reasons changed its name to the First Unitarian Church of Berkeley, the fact that it is actually located in Kensington notwithstanding.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 10:38 PM

Coming home last night, I saw a sign on a shop:

PARIS PEARL         INTERNATIONAL EYEBROW SHAPING CHAMPION

They have competitions for that?

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: frogprince
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 10:41 PM

Once again, I suppose I'm brain-dead and missing the obvious;
   
   First Unitarian Church of Kensington...

   First Unitarian Church of Kensington...

                               ??

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Midchuck
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 10:53 PM

The initials, if you leave out the "of"...

You have to be familiar with both British and US word usages to appreciate this, but a friend of my daughters, when she was in England, had a picture taken of herself pointing, with an expression of shock and terror, at a large signboard advertising a furniture moving company.

The name was "Beaver Removals."

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bert
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 10:54 PM

Initials Frogprince!!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:01 AM

bert, that only means anything
For Us Clever Kids....

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Tootler
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:58 AM

Many years ago, Burroughs Wellcome in Dartford, Kent had a neon sign on their works with several lights failed so that it read "roughs Welcome"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: JennyO
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:51 AM

The car yard next door to where I get my car repaired is called TRUSTED CARS, but the unfortunate placement of a large pole as you approach it, means that the sign appears to say "RUSTED CARS".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:59 AM

There's a local business (and I'm sure the name is a family name) where the sign always strikes me giggly --

"Just Oil and More"

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Becca72
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:00 AM

We have a "Curl up and dye" hair salon in Old Orchard Beach, Maine which was obviously stolen from the Blues Brothers.

I also like Sam 'n Ella's Deli in Portland, Maine and Blow Brothers port-a-potties whose slogan is "we're #1 in the #2 business".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: frogprince
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:24 AM

"First Unitarian..."
I knew I'd kick myself after I had to ask to get it...

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 12:25 PM

Sam & Ella's Diner

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bizibod
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:15 PM

Ewan Burns   Tanning Salon
That's what it says across the fascia. Really inspires confidence ,no ?!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:27 PM

I was wondering about the 300 spartans myself. I was trying to turn Thermopylae into " The ???? fry"

Cryptic crosswords are not good for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Dazbo
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 03:35 AM

There is (was) a Sam 'n' Ella's in Sheffield too.

A driving school near my parents was Impact.

Some chippies in Sheffield

A Salt and Battered
NOrthern Sole
Manfryday

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Dazbo
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 03:41 AM

Pressed submit too early:-(

Codrophenia
Codfather
Chip 'n' Scales
Tasty Plaice
The Contented Sole
The Friary
Fishnet

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 08:09 AM

Found a company called FU Ltd yesterday... That's one that got through the censors!

Squeaky

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: redsnapper
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 08:19 AM

There used to be a cobbler in the King's Road, Chelsea, called
R. Soles

I've seen a second-hand clothes shop in France or Belgium (I can't remember which) called "Look Fifty"

I seem to remember an Asian firm of solicitors (lawyers) in the UK called Sumat Zupeer & Co

RS

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,redhorse at work
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 08:20 AM

Three of my favourites:
From Sutton Coldfield: "The Wylde Green Florist"
For Shiney New Row near Newcastle, the Electrical goods shop "Shiney New Appliances"
And the late lamented "Brownhills Effluent Disposal"

nick

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 08:55 AM

Once sailed on a canal boat, past a sanitary ware manufacturer by the name of J K Shufflebottom....

Squeaky

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 09:22 AM

Poise & Ivy - a preppy boutique

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 09:45 AM

Chinese takeaway - Wok This Way

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Becca72
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 09:55 AM

That last one reminded me of a chinse take away place in Williston, VT called "men at wok"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 10:00 AM

A chippy in Ramsbottom... Fryer Tux Plaice

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 10:11 AM

There used to be a chinese place near me. They had a bar called the Hung Far Lounge.

I used to run a sandwich shop and we served hot apple cider in the winter. One of the brand names was Hardin Cider.

True stories both.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: frogprince
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 11:16 AM

If not exactly a "company" name, I guess you could call this a "business" name. I think this one is for real. A Chicago cop was looking for a name in the phonebook one day, and his eye happened to fall on the entry, "Forni, Kate". For some reason he found that a little suspicious, so he checked it out. Yep: a call girl.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 07:44 PM

I once worked at a company which employed a Lawyer named Norman Sue. Which always reminded me of the "Private Eye" lawyers Sioux, Grabbitt and Runne.

Also, back in the 80's the three main departments at the Securites and Exchange Commisson were headed by Messers Chase, Ketchum and Lynch.

Years ago there was a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange called The Pittsburg Screw and Bolt Co. which the floor traders shortened to "Love 'em and Leave "em"

Strange but true.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 10:15 PM

Two Wongs Chinese at the Toowong Village and Tower
Brisbane
Toowong

In Aussie culture you need to understand a bit of Political History, to get the full impact of this originally 'racist' phrase cleverly turned back ...

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mr Yellow
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 07:19 AM

Slippery Nipple - women's boutique in Stroud UK
Shortened Curliz - hair dressers in Sarf London somewhere c 1983

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mr Red
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 05:56 PM

trailer tents in NZ - Towed Hall (as in Toad of Toad Hall - UK kiddy's book)

Kiddies second hand clothing shop - "Small Change"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 12:18 PM

I just went into a "pound" shop called Buyology.

Gloucester - that's where.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Genie
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 01:18 PM

Pschitt - German company, I presume - also makes a cola. I used to see the ads for Pschitt on the sides of the ice rinks in the televised figure skating competitions back in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as Pschitt Cola cups in the stands.

One I recall that's not so much inappropriate as humorously misleading is the
"Limerick Generating Station."

Once you know it's located in Limerick, PA, you can probably peg it as an electrical power plant.   But I like my first impression of its "product line" a lot better.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Genie
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 03:36 PM

KB, here in Portland, OR, one of our better known Chinese restaurants is "Hung Far Low." :)

This isn't one I've seen, but I was thinking if my last name was Aids or Ayds, I would not open a "Tool & Die" shop.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,HughM
Date: 06 Dec 06 - 10:37 AM

The Idle Working Men's Club, Idle, Bradford, Yorkshire.

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 08:09 AM

In the town of Shirley, Solihull they have a restaurant that has been Chinese and now Indian called

the Shirley Temple

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 03:48 AM

In Libertyville, Il, USA there is a chimney sweep company called "Ash Wipes".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: bill\sables
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 09:16 AM

There was a company who made soft drinkd called T&P and their slogan was "Drink T & P Lemonade"
Also In Garforth Yorkshire there is a law company called
"Godloves Solicitors"
And I did see in Dublin some years ago an advertisment for
"Mulligans Tires"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 05:03 PM

Since we are on slogans - Bargain booze

"Making life richer for the pourer"

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 03:57 AM

In Berkeley there used to be business called "Linoleum Dick's," and there currently is a Chinese restaurant called "King Dong." Anyone see a pattern here?

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Schantieman
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 09:28 AM

...and there was the famous headline in the newspaper the day after a lunatic escaped from the asylum (presumably this was before 'care in the community'), sexually assaulted two women in the launderette and ran off.....









Nut Screws Washers and Bolts!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 07:00 AM

Ya' know we sometimes talk of how perfectly innocuous words take on a new meaning with negative connotations........Okay, but it does work in reverse as well I guess...........For instance would you think of THIS if I said, "The girl has a "Virgin Snapper?"

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 12:51 AM

Vietnamese restaurant on Penn Ave. in Pittsburgh-"My Dung".

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Trevor
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 08:58 AM

My dad's doctor was Dr Akin, and he worked with an electrician called Les Socket.

How do they answer the phones at Otis in Reading, and Siemens in Staines?

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 10:43 AM

Saw a cartoon in "Punch" once; a Boardroom meeting, one executive saying to another, "I'm all for truthfulness in advertising, but I do think 'Smith and Son' preferable to 'Smith and Bastard'".

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 05:57 PM

I spotted a hair salon somewhere in Delaware (Dewey Beach, maybe) called Bad Hair Day.

Also, last time I visited the Santa Monica Pier, I noticed a complex nearby called the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility. That's SMURRF, for those of you taking notes. (No, it didn't look like the workers were short & blue...)

-- Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 09:41 AM

An Indian restaurant in Loughborough - for a short time - was named ;

Al ah Medina !

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 12:19 AM

For the longest time there was a Giant Food grocery store on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC that had the first two letters burned out on its neon sign. ANT FOOD. Recently I drove by that same store and found that it is now called G IT FOOD.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 07:51 AM

About 15 miles out from Plymouth UK on the A38 there is a large sign, presumably advertising the purveyors of the finest animal produce, which says:- "The Well Hung Meat Company".

I have, on occasion, been tempted to detour to find out exactly what they do sell.....

Christine

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,Moses
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 07:52 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 07:52 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: GUEST,Moses
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 07:53 AM

That, above, was from me, Moses.

Lost my cookie, and, it appears, any control whatsoever of my computer!!

Subject: RE: BS: Inappropriate company names
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 08 Jan 07 - 08:19 PM

For enerybody's info, the First Chirch of Berkeley (formerly the First Church of Kensington) is located at the bottom of the hill. At the top, in Berkely, is (you guessed it) The First Church of Berkeley.
We have High Church and Low Church Unitarians. 'Strewth.