Welcome to Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, where each week we dive into the most peculiar and amusing legal stories. This week, we’re talking about some truly bizarre chicken-related litigation. Who knew our delicious friends could cause such a flap in the courtroom? Let’s dive into these clucking ridiculous cases!
Boneless Chicken Wings Can Have Bones, Ohio Court Rules
Ohio’s top court recently ruled this that boneless chicken wings don’t actually have to be bone-free. This all started when Michael Berkheimer fell ill after swallowing a bone piece from his order of “boneless wings” at Wings on Brookwood. Berkheimer sued the restaurant, arguing that they failed to warn him about the potential for bones in the so-called boneless wings.
The Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, ruled that the term “boneless wing” refers to a cooking style rather than a literal description. Justice Joseph T. Deters wrote for the majority, stating that a diner wouldn’t believe “boneless wings” meant the absence of bones any more than they would believe “chicken fingers” were actually fingers.
The dissenting justices weren’t as amused. Justice Michael P. Donnelly questioned whether anyone would reasonably expect bones in a dish labeled “boneless.” He argued that the decision should have gone to a jury. Despite the dissent, the court sided with common sense (or lack thereof), suggesting diners should be wary of bones even in boneless wings. So, next time you order boneless wings, remember: it’s just a cooking style!
Fight Over Butter Chicken’s Origin Heats Up in Indian Court
The battle over who invented butter chicken has reached new levels of spice in an Indian court. Two restaurant chains, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, are embroiled in a heated dispute, each claiming to have created the world-famous dish.
Moti Mahal insists that its founder, Kundan Lal Gujral, invented the creamy curry in the 1930s. Daryaganj, however, counters that their ancestor, Kundan Lal Jaggi, created the dish and that Gujral was merely a marketing partner.
This clash has seen both sides presenting photographic and video evidence from decades ago. Daryaganj’s 642-page counter-filing including a video of Jaggi discussing the dish’s origins. The court is now set to rule where, when and by whom the dish was first made or if both men should be credited.
Butter chicken’s invention isn’t just about bragging rights; it has commercial benefits too. Being recognized as the creator can boost a restaurant’s image and justify higher prices. With over 100 outlets globally, Moti Mahal’s butter chicken starts at $8 in New Delhi and goes up to $23 in New York, whereas Daryaganj, with 10 outlets, prices it at $7.50.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Recipe for Bankruptcy
Positive thinking alone couldn’t save Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment from its financial woes. The company, known for its uplifting books and DVD rental operator Redbox, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, burdened by nearly $1 billion in debt.
Founded in 1993 by positive-thinking motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Soul expanded into video-on-demand services like Redbox, Crackle, and Popcornflix. Despite its heartwarming content, the company now owes money to over 500 creditors, including entertainment giants like Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Court documents reveal that Chicken Soup for the Soul has assets of $414 million against a staggering $970 million in debts. Their lenders have been uncooperative in refinancing efforts, leading to the bankruptcy filing. Despite positive thinking, Chicken Soup for the Soul couldn’t escape the cold, hard reality of financial mismanagement.
Perhaps Mr. Canfield and Mr. Hansen can now work as demotivational speakers.
