I know we have all heard the phrase “It’s not what they call you but what you answer to.” This does not seem to be the case for Lakita Evans, a young, female, African American entrepreneur from Waco, Texas.

Evans has enjoyed a steady stream of customers for the last two weeks to her new restaurant -- Fat Ho Burgers. This is not a typo. We live in an era that boasts its first African-American president and yet we still occupy the bizarre parallel universe that supports a restaurant owned by an African American woman called Fat Ho Burgers.

Hold up, guys. If you thought the name was off the chain, get a load of what’s on the menu. There’s the “Supa Dupa Fly Ho,” the “Bad Mamajama,” the “Fat Chicken Ho,” the “Sloppy Ho” (a brisket sandwich), and “A Fat Ho Named Bertha.” And for those of you watching your figure, the dollar menu features a “Tiny Fat Ho.”

They forgot to mention the “Big Fat Thirsty Ho” milkshakes!

Evans, 23, told Texas Monthly she came up with the idea for the restaurant’s name while watching actress-comedienne Mo’Nique’s 2006 film, “Phat Girlz.”

“I was trying to make myself laugh,” Evans said. “I knew the name would put a smile on people’s faces, so I just did it.”

I wonder if they are smiling with you or laughing at you, boo?

I was invited by a colleague to sit in on a “color theory” class where students were challenged with writing a poem that talked about the value of black and white. I was moved as I listened to the class of young, mostly African American students share their impressions. Each student passionately expressed the power of race, class, gender and historical images that stereotyped their culture. What was even more poignant is how those stereotypes still had such an adverse effect on their self-awareness and identity.

Are we as evolved around issues of race, class and gender as we would believe?

On one hand, we should applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of this young woman, but at what cost? We have seen a similar attempt at re-appropriation locally with other businesses, such as the No Grease chain of barbershops and its controversial branding.

I moved to Charlotte years ago and, like most black folks, I had to immediately identify a hair stylist, the nearest Red Lobster and club life, not necessarily in that order.

When I inquired about a barbershop, a friend suggested that I check out a shop on Central Avenue. He told me the name, and when I inquired about landmarks he just laughed and said it would be clear. When I approached the shop and took in the full view of the No Grease logo, my mouth dropped. (Insert slow motion effect and your favorite explicative.) Needless to say I did not enter.

Fast forward several years and a friend turned me on to a great stylist for natural hair. The only issue was, she was working temporarily at No Grease. For years I had avoided this place, but it seemed destiny had other plans.

I arrived early for my appointment, my heart racing. I did not know what to expect.

I entered the shop and was immediately impressed. The hostess was pleasant, the barbers were in uniform, and the overall presentation was professional. I met my stylist and we enjoyed a wonderful professional relationship. (She eventually opened her own establishment.)

Although I found my overall experience at No Grease to be a pleasant one, the logo bothered me.

Meanwhile, Damian and Jermaine Johnson say critics misunderstand their logo.

Point duly noted. But marginalized communities do not enjoy the same level of autonomy as folks in the mainstream. So, although we salute the efforts of any entrepreneur, should we hold the ones that we share a culture with to a higher standard?

If not, one day there could be a Fat Ho Burger near you.

***
Professor Locs, aka Charles Easley, is an educator who explores race, class, gender, sexuality, media and popular culture with humor and insight. Click here to read his blog.

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