A new smoke shop in North Jersey is causing quite a controversy
A new smoke shop in North Jersey is causing quite a controversy with it’s latest name — Fu King Smoke Shop.
The store has not opened yet, but it’s already attracting attention from parents and on social media. Residents say it’s a thinly veiled profanity and that it doesn’t belong in their neighborhood, a block away from an elementary school.
Some parents and residents want the city to take action and compel storeowner Robert Reichert to change the sign. Reichert said he received the city’s permission to put up the sign, although a zoning official disputed that and issued the owner a summons for failing to get the proper permit. Reichert also said the sign wasn’t inappropriate and that Fu is Chinese for wealth or lucky and part of a theme.
“There is a meaning behind it,” Reichert said. “It’s not just words thrown up on the canvas. If they’re offended by reading it, then it’s the way their mind is looking at it.”
Still, Reichert said he was willing to talk to residents and would be open to changing the design of the sign — which has a crown image between the Fu and King — but he is not willing to change the name, which he said was his company’s brand. He said he intends to fight the summons when it comes up for a court hearing.
Did you pick up on the name or is it just New Jersey’s dirty minds?