A hot dog stand in Stockholm has sparked controversy by copying a famous sign from a Göteborg kiosk, leading to outrage among Göteborg residents. The sign, known for its distinct style, has been a cultural icon in Göteborg, and its imitation has been seen as a cultural appropriation. The debate highlights regional pride and the importance of local identity.
Göteborgers Outrage Over Stockholm's Hot Dog Stand Imitation
Göteborgers Outrage Over Stockholm's Hot Dog Stand Imitation
The rivalry between Göteborg and Stockholm has reached new heights. A classic "KORV KIOSK" sign from Göteborg has been replicated in Stockholm, causing discontent among Göteborg residents.
"It's not okay, separating words is our thing," says Maria Rothermel.
At Skeppsbro korv in Stockholm, a familiar white sign with black letters now hangs, a copy of the one on a yellow hot dog stand in Majorna, as reported by Göteborgs-Posten.
"I googled it and it came up. I like that it's quite square and nondescript. It's actually a pretty bad sign," says Fredrik Ekman, CEO of Skeppsbro korv.
He insists they never hid their inspiration for the sign.
"We haven't hidden it. But our focus was not mainly on signs, but on selling hot dogs," he says.
Dismay: "People Are Upset"
After many Göteborg residents reached out, Skeppsbro bakery wrote on Instagram—a month after opening—that the sign was a "tribute to Sweden's most iconic hot dog stand in Majorna, Göteborg, if anyone knows what Göteborg is."
In Majorna, the reaction to the name theft is one of dismay.
"I was shocked when I saw it. People here are actually irritated, hurt, and feel stepped on. Should there be ketchup on it?" says Maria Rothermel, speaking as customers gather outside the kiosk.
"I don't think you need to be arrogant. Göteborg is Sweden's front and always will be," she adds.
Criticism: "Separating Words Is Our Thing"
Maria Rothermel believes Skeppsbro bakery should have reached out before copying the sign.
Especially considering that the Social Democrats used an almost identical hot dog stand in a 2018 commercial, which upset many.
She also thinks they could have added a hyphen between the words.
"It's not okay, separating words is our thing," she says.
Response: No Patent
Fredrik Ekman, on the other hand, does not believe the Majorna hot dog stand has a patent on the sign and does not think he needed to reach out beforehand.
"What can you say? Should they give permission to write the word 'korvkiosk'? I see it as a bit far-fetched. It's not a trademark but a description of a thing."
But you have the same font and even the word separation?
"Many Göteborg residents have contacted me, and someone said it was a very poor imitation indeed. A graphic designer informed me that it's not the same font at all and that the spacing is all wrong."
The next time he is in Göteborg, he plans to visit the hot dog stand and order "a half special with Stockholmers," as he has now learned it's called in Göteborg.
Do you think you'll be welcome?
"It's a borderline case now."