A Stranger Things concept bar opened August 18 in Chicago’s Logan Square. “The Upside Down” is filled with references to the show and has themed cocktails like “Eleven’s Eggo’s.”
It seemed like everything was going well for the bar until Netflix sent the parent company, Emporium Popups, a cease-and-desist letter. Normally cease-and-desist letters include some sort of scary legal action if terms aren’t met. This letter was a little different.
The letter reads:
“Danny and Doug,
My walkie talkie is busted so I had to write this note instead. I heard you launched a Stranger Things pop-up bar at your Logan Square location. Look, I don’t want you to think I’m a total wastoid, and I love how much you guys love the show. (Just wait until you see Season 2!) But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up. You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build.
We’re not going to go full Dr. Brenner on you, but we ask that you please (1) not extend the pop-up beyond its 6 week run ending in September, and (2) reach out to us for permission if you plan to do something like this again. Let me know as soon as possible that you agree to these requests.
We love our fans more than anything, but you should know that the demogorgon is not always as forgiving. So please don’t make us call your mom.”
If you happen to be in Chicago between now and October 1, I’d take a trip to the Upside Down while you still can!
[h/t: Foodbeast]
