KFC Knockoff in China Slammed for Using President Obama’s Image

China has a rich history of ripping off fast-food concepts from the United States. Sometimes, the faux franchises are actually cute and funny, like Dairy Fairy, a Dairy Queen knockoff.

But almost no one is laughing at the latest offering out of China: Obama Fried Chicken.

The restaurant, started by a group of university students in Bejing, features a logo of President Barack Obama dressed in the same bow-tie and apron made famous by Colonel Sanders.

“It’s insulting, offensive and plays to racial stereotypes,” the Rev. Al Sharpton told the New York Post. “What makes it even worse is that when we deal with this global competition between the U.S. and China, for them to be mocking the leader of the free world, I find it even more appalling.”

In fairness, it’s not really China doing the mocking. It’s just a couple of college kids who say they are running the restaurant in their spare time. And whether they are being racist, or simply looking for a cheap yet effective marketing gimmick, is a matter of debate.

In any event, Obama Fried Chicken has managed to gain the attention of KFC. And they’re not laughing either. “We’re considering legal action as it is a knock-off and has nothing to do with us and it infringes on our brand trademark,” KFC said in a statement. “We find it distasteful.”

Bowing to the pressure, the newly launched Obama Fried Chicken has already changed its name to UFO. Why UFO? Who knows, but a lawsuit from Steven Spielberg probably won’t be far behind.

Un-American food. What’s the best part of traveling to a foreign country? Seeing the sights, interacting with the locals, immersing yourself in a new culture? Hell no!

The best part is heading straight for Mickey D’s or KFC and checking out the funky menu items – stuff you’d never see at your local fast-food joint. At least not without a riot breaking out.

As this article from Mainstreet points out, global franchise chains don’t get where they are by serving up the same old burgers and fries in every country. Nope, they mix it up quite a bit in order to appeal to local tastes.

Mainstreet put together a list of 10 menu items it wishes we could have here in the U.S., but can’t. Our personal favorites include Trio Supremo from Burger King Brazil. It features chicken nuggets, onion rings and French fries smothered in cheddar cheese and bacon bits.

Another winner: a line of dessert drinks from KFC called Krushers, available in Germany, Australia, and South Africa. The drinks come in such flavors as mango, strawberry, Kit Kat, and Triple Choc Crunch and are mixed with large chunks of fruit and candy.

One item we’d never want to see, however, is the Bubur Ayam McD from McDonald's Malaysia. The Bubur Ayam McD contains "juicy chicken strips in mouth-watering porridge, garnished with spring onions, sliced ginger, fried shallots and diced chilies.” On second thought, it doesn’t sound too bad. Expect for that porridge part.  Yuck.

Divine inspiration. Looking for a new franchise opportunity? How about starting a business that raises money for local churches? And no, it does not involve bake sales, car washes, or pancake breakfasts.

The franchisor, Walsh & Associates, based in Burnsville, Minn., says it has developed a turnkey system for fundraising based on its 20 years of conducting capital campaigns exclusively for churches.

"We are eager to share our expertise… with people who want to grow a business which will fulfill both their entrepreneurial drive as well as a spiritually driven purpose,” says company president Michael Walsh. “Personally, I have found this rare combination has fed my family and my soul."

The company is looking for franchisees in select areas of the country. Each territory includes at least 100 large churches that could possibly need the services of a professional fundraiser.