Sunday, February 17, 2008

Twenty Thousand Leaks Under The Sea

Shall We Pool Our Resources?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Fortunately I had my camera with me as this vehicle pulled out of a parking spot yesterday. The name of the business caught my eye, but so did the great caricature of the "inspecta". There was no time to compose a frame or choose settings on the camera, so I just had to hit the shutter as the driver pulled away from the kerb.

The best business name I've ever seen was a couple of years ago, on the side of a grand old converted hearse. The huge windows of the hearse were draped with splendid curtains, advertising the curtain-making skills of the business. And the name painted on the side? "It's Curtains For You".

If I went into business, I'd probably become a plumber. Not because I have any plumbing skills at all, but because I could call my business "The Damp Busters".

So tell me, what's the best business name you've seen? Or, if you could choose a wacky business name, what would it be?

21 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

I think the best one I've seen is in Pageland, Sheer Panic, a beauty salon...second place is Just Buds, a florist...I love wacky signs...I don't think the inspecta would fit on my kitchen wall though!!
Sandi

Lana Gramlich said...

"Curl Up & Dye" was a hair salon in a TV show once...Got a kick out of that. There was a restaurant where I lived in Canada that'd gone under called "Seaman Jack's." Perhaps a name change would've done the trick on that one! Although it's against the law, I always thought a good name for an adult store would be "F*cking Stuff" (pardon my French.)

lime said...

it wasn't a business name but i once met a korean law student by the name of sue yoo. i thought that was hilarious.

Corey~living and loving said...

we have a Curl up and Dye hair salon here as well. I love that. :)

Unknown said...

I've heard about a small building company called Bodget & Scarper!

Rosie said...

I've heard of the Burnt Flesh Tanning Salon. Sounds a bit alarming!

Misty DawnS said...

"It's Curtains for You"... ahahahaha that's clever!

Gone Back South said...

In Cheshire, near where the Beckhams used to live, there's a sandwich shop called "Nosh and Pecks". And when I lived in SW London there was allegedly a shop nearby called "Whiffs and Sniffs" ... I've no idea what it sold. And I used to get a kick out of all the dodgy Kentucky rip-offs really close together on the road towards Hammersmith Broadway: "Dixy Fried Chicken", "Country Fried Chicken", "Oixy Fried Chicken", and so it went on until you reached the M4.

Mom Knows Everything said...

There is a hair salon and spa in a neighboring town called "Sheer Haven".

Les Becker said...

About 20 years ago, my brother-in-law won a contest to name a new fried chicken place in his hometown. They had to take the "win" away when the town couoncil refused to allow them a business license because of the name. Instead they gave him a couple of free dinners and DIDN'T call the place - "A Salt & Battery."

Donna said...

A pig farm run by..Ima Hogg...I kid you not!!lol...Only in Texas!
Thanks for stopping by for the visit!!

dot said...

A place where I used to live there was a plumbing business with the slogan "We're number one in the number two business". I always thought that was halarious.

Fletch said...

David,

There's another one on your doorstep - Melbourne, that is!

It's a wine producer by the grand title of Ten Minutes by Tractor.

I would be delighted to try their Pinot Noir!

dmarks said...

Lana: I've seen a few real Curl Up and Dye's when driving around.

There was also one I saw called "The Hairy Den". Ugh

A few days ago I posted a favorite old business ad.

There is also a movie rental place called MEGAFLICKS... and in the sigh, the LI are pretty much merged into a U.

I also remember a business in Kansas City that sold live bait in the back.

The sign said "Worms in the Rear"

imac said...

Great stuff David.
Best name I came across was a Mrs Rummage, Second hand shop.in Pickering N yorks., I'll let you know if its still there after next week, as we on holls up there from Sat next.

SandyCarlson said...

Over in Rhode Island is a place called Peter Pott's Pottery. Not too clever, but it's something to be born into your profession--kind of old fashioned, really.

skinnylittleblonde said...

Lol....Curl Up & Dye is a real beuty salon located off of hwy 411, north of Atlanta. Ironically enough, it's walking distance from a restruant named 'Roadkill Cafe'

I had someone point out the the name of a chiropractor to me...If I remember correctly, it was 'Ilene Wright'

Mima said...

Great name, and I love some of the ones that people have come up with!

Christina RN LMT said...

I saw I sign on a pick-up truck here in Vegas advertising "Attila's Handyman Service"...got a real kick out of that!

i beati said...

I have so much water leak trouble send to me

Tom said...

The very best one I saw was for 'Singh The Builders' and their slogan...
Fed up of Cowboys.. Try The Indians.