Gov. Shumlin Kicks Off "Team Kale" to Support Local "Eat More Kale" Artist
Inside a cozy Montpelier stationer this morning, Gov. Peter Shumlin kicked off the newly minted Team Kale, a campaign to help local artist Bo Muller-Moore fight fast-food behemoth Chick-fil-A's surreal efforts to curtail his "Eat More Kale" T-shirt business.
Wielding sound bytes to rival Chick-fil-A's "Eat Mor Chikin" slogan, Shumlin said, "Don't mess with Vermont. Don't mess with kale. Chick-fil-A, get out of the way, because we're going to win this one."
Muller-Moore, who began making Eat More Kale T-shirts and stickers 11 years ago, recently received a letter from Chick-fil-A demanding that he withdraw his application for a federal trademark and turn over his website. It was the second time in six years that the company has tried to shut down his company, claiming it interferes with their "Eat More Chikin" ad campaign and confuses consumers.
Two weeks ago, Muller-Moore's lawyer, Dan Richardson of Montpelier, sent Chick-fil-A a letter refuting any confusion between Muller-Moore's business and theirs, and requested the company reconsider its position. In the meantime, the story hit the national press, Eat More Kale T-shirt orders exploded, and a petition of support gathered more than 17,000 signatures.
On Saturday, Muller-Moore received a call from the governor's office saying the state wanted to help in anyway it could. And so Team Kale was born: Via Muller-Moore's website, supporters can purchased Team Kale T-shirts and pledge financial support.
Though Richardson is working on the case pro bono, legal fees could skyrocket if the company — which did $3.5 billion in sales last year — chooses to fight. "We have to anticipate an aggressive litigation," says Richardson, who was waiting for a response from Chick-fil-A today.
In the meantime, Shumlin and a coterie of state officials urged Chick-fil-A to back off. "Don't interfere with buy local. Don't interfere with our agricultural renaissance," said Shumlin. With a touch of levity, he pointed out the absurdity of Chick-fil-A's claim that diners can confuse kale with chicken. "Kale is a vegetable. Chickens are birds. Birds create manure. Kale eats manure."
Muller-Moore, who is cranking out 13- and 14-hour days to fill the spike in orders, says it is a clear case of David vs. Goliath. "It wasn't an easy decision to fight these guys," he says. He might need all of the support he can get; in a statement issued today, Chick-fil-A says it intends to persist.
"We support the entrepreneurial spirit of small business, and, in fact, our business model is founded on providing opportunity for small business owners," it read. "Unfortunately, when protecting our trademark, the law does not allow us to differentiate between a large company or a small enterprise."
Richardson's prediction could come true. As for eating more kale, the governor recommends his favorite method: "Chop. Simmer briefly in chicken broth. As broth evaporates, add olive oil, garlic, pepper, salt. Eat it hot!"
(And I mean this affectionately)
"Local artist rescued by bullshit artist", Schumlin you are a character.
Posted by: Tim | December 06, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Before Chik-Fil-A makes any more public announcements, they should probably learn how to spell chicken.
Posted by: kate m | December 06, 2011 at 01:53 PM
When I first heard of this issue, I ordered an Eat More Kale shirt. Having said that, Shumlin's camera chasing has gone too far. It is not the governor's place to become involved in a civil suit between two businesses, if only because he has other things to do. There are plenty of people who support Mr. Muller-Moore and can help him raise money. I further question if being associated with Peter Shumlin will be a help or a burden to the Eat More Kale brand.
Posted by: Eric | December 06, 2011 at 02:41 PM
I couldn't agree more with Eric's comment above. If Shumlin was so passionate about this cause he wouldn't have needed cue cards to refer to every 5 seconds. This guy is a media whore to the highest degree.
Posted by: Tony | December 06, 2011 at 04:03 PM
Healthy Governors we have recently had, Jim Douglas consuming the oatmeal and Peter Shumlin gobbling down the kale.
Posted by: Dale Tillotson | December 06, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Shumlin is a used car salesman posing as a governor.
Posted by: don | December 06, 2011 at 07:08 PM
I fully support Shumlin's decision to back Vermont. As one of the more socialist leaning states, I think it is more than appropriate to support our homegrown businesses. his support will draw in outside money and support to the state. The better our businesses do, the better our state does. I'm glad our governor is willing to provide government support for us both as individuals as well as a collective.
Posted by: Davod | December 07, 2011 at 09:27 PM
"As one of the more socialist leaning states, I . . ."
So, you're one of the more socialist-leaning states?
BTW, Shummy's support for Team Kale is incidental. The point was that he got to be in front of a TV camera. And you're probably correct that his support will draw in out-of-state money, but it will be for him more than Bo.
Posted by: finbuck | December 08, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Did anyone notice, it's not about shum it is about boycotting Chik-a-corp, fortunately we don't have one in Pittsfield
Posted by: Johnnie Goldfish | December 23, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Good ole Christian owned Chick.......what assholes.....I'll make sure I eat everywhere but there....and order the Kale t-shirts.
Posted by: vermontborn | December 23, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Closest one is in Nashua, NH. Are you sure you can resist the temptation to make the drive?
Posted by: Jimmy | December 23, 2011 at 08:39 PM
"Good ole Christian owned Chick.......what assholes.....I'll make sure I eat everywhere but there....and order the Kale t-shirts."
Were you gonna eat there if it hadn't been for this incident???
Posted by: finbuck | December 24, 2011 at 01:16 PM