‘We are in a kind of war’: row over viral Amsterdam chip shop lands in court
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Neighbours say crowds drawn by TikTok to Fabel Friet are clogging the picturesque canal street and attracting litter, gulls and rats People living in one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive neighbourhoods have taken the city to court for licensing a chip shop that has gone viral on TikTok . On busy days,
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A narrow Amsterdam canal-side street lined with historic buildings, with a small chip shop in the foreground bustling with young people holding phones, while older residents look on in frustration from their doorways.
Caption: Welcome to the battlefront of the viral fry fry war.
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Based on the original story on theguardian.com.
Editor's note
The viral success of Fabel Friet highlights the unpredictable ways in which social media can transform local businesses into global phenomena, but it also underscores the tension between economic growth and community quality of life. As someone who appreciates the intricate workings of both technology and traditional craftsmanship, I see this case as a reminder that we need to find better ways to balance the benefits of internet fame with the needs of our neighborhoods.
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Panel 1
*Setting: A narrow, picturesque canal street in Amsterdam, with historic buildings on either side. A crowd of young people with phones in hand are gathered outside a small chip shop called Fabel Friet. Alex stands near the crowd, holding a small notepad and a pen.* *Alex (to Sam, who is standing next to him):*
Alex: Look at this, Sam. Tourists are flooding the canals for some fried potatoes. What's the world coming to?
Panel 2
*Setting: Inside a small, quaint courtroom. The judge sits at the bench, looking somewhat bewildered. Robin is arguing his case in front of the judge, pointing to a stack of papers and a small plastic bag of fries.* *Robin (to the judge, deadpan):*
Robin: Your Honor, the defendant is violating our right to peace and quiet by allowing this viral chip shop. These fries are like small grenades in our serene neighborhood.
Panel 3
*Setting: Back on the canal street. Alex, Sam, and Robin are standing near a bin filled with litter and a few seagulls flying overhead. The crowd has thinned, but the chip shop is still bustling.* *Sam (to Alex and Robin):* *Alex (optimistically, holding out a blueprint):* *Robin (shrugging, with a bag of fries):*
Sam: So, we're at war with a chip shop now? How do we win?
Alex: I have an idea. Let's build a giant automated fry dispenser to keep them all occupied!
Robin: Works for me. I could eat these fries in peace.
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