Frustrated? Go break things at the Smash Shack
A San Diego entrepreneur has found a perfect business for frustrating times: Selling customers breakables to fling against walls. What do you think of Sarah's smashing idea?
From Sherryl Meyers Indianapolis IN A local radio station personality had her on one afternoon. I think it's a great idea. Does she sell franchises? I'd love to have one in my area.
From Anonymous This is effing fantastic. I wish I could find something like this in Australia. And to all the people that are *whinge whinge waste blah blah whing whinge* etc, do you think you live in a perfect world? You do not. Do you think you can make it perfect? You can't. Spend your time doing something beneficial, if you can. But don't stick your head in the sand. Better to deal with the bad stuff in a safe way. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean it will go away. Thats the sort of attitude that ensures the success of the greatest dictators.
From DC, CA I have to read all these comments for a project in my advertising class, and I must say, the naysayers here make ME want to break something. I notice nearly every negative post about Smash Shack has some political, anti-American undertone, shows you have an intense narrow-mindedness, and reveals you know next to nothing about Sarah or her business. Or, perhaps this is simply your method of anger management: idiotically complaining on the internet.
Go break something, you'll be surprised about how much better it works.
From Brenda, Louisville, KY Great, great, great idea! To the naysayers, have you tried it? I have. It works. To Sarah, break a plate girl, and write naysers on it first.
From Sheila, Ft.Laud.,FL Fantastic!! LOL I have always been 1 to throw things, but being frugal,
I generally will not throw something that will break. Once, when I was totally furious, my now ex-hubby handed me a bottle of very bad wine.( I had been talked into buying 2 bottles, the 1st we poured out, so..YEA!! Only when he wisely stopped me from throwing in the kitchen-I complied, went outside, downstairs, across the parking lot & because I did have some control, into the dumpster instead of in the parking lot- other peoples cars, etc. Only, it didn't BREAK! & I wasn't about to climb in after it. I started laughing so hard I forgot to be angry any more.
From Kelly, Kettering, Ohio What is done with all of the broken pieces? Any of it recycled? Seems a bit over the top to break something for the sake of 'release'. Do some yoga; drink some herbal tea; hell, smoke a joint for Christ's sake………..anger is nothing to laugh at. If you need to kick the crap out of someone or break something in order to feel better, you have problems.
From Berry, Marshfield, WI We are studying Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. On page 30 in his book, he refers to the wild children bullying people, breaking window panes in the Window Smasher place, and wrecking cars in the Car Wrecker place. We think that your business is creepy. We are concerned that we live in a similar society, as the one predicted by Ray Bradbury. Let's hope we don't go to burning books next.
From anna, boston ma i just wish there was someplace like this in the northeast. even as a student i would be willing to pay good money to break things and remove some of that pent up frustration that just won't go away no matter what you do.
From Teri, Phoenix, AZ I think this is a great idea! Those of you who are saying it is a waste of time……Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does!
From Jesse Hebert, ladson sc, 29456 huh pretty crazy idea, I like it but hopefully your customers arent just "curiosity" driven and actually find it theriputic which would lead to repeat customers. Hey how about itroducing old electronics and a hammer to the mix?
From DJ, Chicago, IL I'm just mad that this place is far from where I live. So mad, I could break something!! ;)
From Clinton, Harrisburg PA I find this to be more than a little crazy. Our world seems to be turning into such a ridiculous place. Go break things at the smash shack?? Hasn't anyone read the book farhenheit 451? This is just one more thing that makes that obsurd fictional world become more like ours.
From Elizabeth, Fort Worth Texas Who cares whether she was the first person to come up with the idea or not? It's there and it's being used. It's better than pulling out a gun on the HWY and resorting to road rage. It's better than pulling out a gun in school and shooting everyone you don't like. People express their feelings in different ways. Some people have more ANGER issues…. it doesn't mean they are insane. If breaking a plate or a goblet against a wall releases your anger, this is genius. I have been known to smash a thick, plastic coat hanger into a wall and make holes in it I have been so angry. I am not proud of this, it's just life sometimes. I now have a picture over the wall where the hole is. I would have benefitted from this kind of frenzied, glass smashing therapy and if there was a place like this in Texas…I would be there in a heartbeat!
Greatness!
From Michael Eurbin, Philadelphia PA BRILLIANT!
I'll take few dozen plates and a mystery box. :)
For the critics, the broken materials are re-used for art classes. Secondly, clay and sand are hardly scarce materials and can be recycled.
Anyhow just the thought of writing frustrations on a dinner plate and smashing it into pieces, well, I don't think those little rubber stress balls can compete.
From Patty, LA , CA Kool, great destresser.
Krazy man.
Why not? One thing, don't make it a habit or it might lead to the creation of BAS(Break Glass Anonymous)
Ha! :)
From Stefanie, Miami, FL Ethan in Tempe, it's not "there best Mommy Dearest". It's "their best Mommy Dearest". Why is it a spineless, egotistical release? And how is it different from releasing stress at the speed bags at your local gym? You are way out of line by suggesting that people who want to break something are insane.
From David Manlius, NY Great Idea. I'd like to open one myself. Any help you can provide would be great.
From Patrick Cincinnati, OH This is a pretty cool idea for a business, but an old one. I recall a place near Lancaster, Pa in 1977 or 1978 that had break rooms in which you could destroy items you'd just purchased from the store out front.
From Bill, Providence, Rhode Island This is not "new," or an indication of the failures of modern culture, but actually harkens back to a practice of the ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians. Broken fragments of pottery with angry messages about neighbors, lovers, and money have been found, for instance, outside of the Valley of the Kings, where the New Kingdom Egyptian Pharoahs are buried, in the "workers village" of Deir el-Medina, where the builders of the tombs lived. Later, Ancient Greeks adopted the practice of smashing messages on ceramics to the practice of democratic politics. They used it, for instance, in the rituals of ostracizing, or banishing, leaders from their city states; angry people would write a name on a ceramic tile and cast it into a pit. Enough broken tiles with a name meant that that person had to leave the city. It is true that the Greek version was a bit more directly empowering than the Egyptian or the American retail one, but they all constrain the human impulse to vent frustration by symbolically investing the anger in an object, and then smashing it.
From Phillip Yup, definitely NOT a new trend or idea. Stores like this have existed in Japan for at least a decade — but for entertainment purposes, not anger management. Seems as though American is a country of angry behind-the-times citizens.
As well, about 8 years ago I opened a shop like this in Canada, it didn't last long, but it was fun. Perhaps Americans have more to be angry about and her business will boom. Good luck!
From SA Kansas City, Kansas This sounds so much cheaper than throwing an xbox 360 against a concrete floor, or breaking a video game in half like I have heard people do all the time. I have a feeling people who already throw/break things would feel so much better not having to clean it up, not wasting (the broken glass goes to make art), not enduring irritation from family members, and throwing inexpensive items. Can they open this place as a nationwide chain?
From DL, Mammoth Lakes, CA If one small shop could "screw up the whole world" as one posted stated…well, what an powerful place to be.
From Tess Love it! Love it! Love it! It's way cheaper than a therapist and, for those who advocate the gym, this isn't about physical health it's about mental health with a little sense of humor thrown in. Lighten up!
30+ years ago when I was in college, a newlywed, working 2 jobs and taking care of an ill parent I would cruise garage sales when I had the time. I'd buy cheap glass ware and have a "shatterfest". It felt SO good afterward. Very cathartic!
From ethan,tempe, az Perfect way for passive aggressive people to act out there best 'mommy dearest' yuppie therapy desires…
this is an example of a society that believes that you can strike out without getting it back. its a spineless, egotistical release. Why not use this energy at a gym at the very least?
I have a new store idea, called 'insane asylum.' We let you roll around a padded room for 15 minutes screaming until we run in and administer sedatives. Then, we diagnosis you so that you don't have to go back to work.
From Michael, Dallas, TX In regards to the person who was frustrated that they had this idea a few years ago, Maxim Magazine posted an article on a shop in Japan that does this exact same thing almost 10 years ago… Don't be too frustrated, you weren't the first person to think of it either.
From Anonymous I am sure her business will pick up
From M.L.Kelkar, India Now I know, why they call americans "crackpots" !!!
From Trevor. Marin County Ca Epic idea. Absolutely ingenious, can you chain the idea?
From RazZ, Niagara Falls Canada Great idea.
From Lcajongirl, El Cajon CA You naysayers are probably the ones who cut people off on the freeway or flip someone the bird when they've done something that bothers you or scream at your kids for doing something you didn't like or yell at the waiter for not bringing your water quick enough….need I say more. Excellent concept, Sarah!!
From Heather, Omaha NE To Miss Louise – 1) don't have the time to read, I haven't read a book since the birth of my youngest son over 6 years ago.
2) Can't afford a health club, NOR do I have the time for that – 15 minutes would be great if this was anywhere close to here!!
Improving your physical health is fantastic, but this is for mental health – it's obvious you've never raised a less than savory teenager – you know – the ones where you understand WHY animals eat their young!!?? Better to smash plates then finally knock their blocks off. Check the news – this could help a LOT of people!! (teenagers especially honestly)
From Beth, Denver, CO I think it's innovative and terrific! Good luck!
From Lisa, Tallahassee, FL Wow. Live and let live.
Yes, I think this idea is helpful to people who cannot afford therapy (not everyone has health coverage and can afford therapy – and therapy is not a cure all anyway). The folks who partake will not then be taking out their anger and frustrations on their kid/pet/neighbor/YOU-if you cross their path! Be grateful. And the 'trash' is being donated to create art – guess some naysayers didn't bother to read the entire story…
Everyone is different and if you think you are compassionate then how about being glad that a place like this exist for other people.
People ARE angry and frustrated and it's just going to get worse before it gets better. Count on it. Prayer and exercise and yoga don't cure all either. I do all that and I am still human and get quite angry.
I too wish there was a place like this in EVERY town in America. We are going to need it.
From Patricia Phx Az BRAVO! I wish I had that idea…. I luv to smash things too; so maybe next time I find myself vacationing in Cali I'll swing by and join the fun:)
Congratz…
From Junissa Paul, Bristol, Tennessee It's a breakout idea! And for less than half the cost of sitting in a therapist's chair for an hour-only to feel more confused (sometimes. At the end all of YOUR fine china remains in tact-and so too your sanity.
From Berni, Laguna Niguel CA For everyone who thinks this is a CA thing…what about the high school fundraisers in the Midwest (where I grew up)involving bashing an old car with a baseball bat! Same thing, only someone with a vision took it one step further.
From Nabil, Canton, MI My friends and I used to steal plates from the cafeteria and throw them against brick walls back in college. I'm just jealous I didn't think of turning it into a business first!
In japan you can pay to smash up a room like a rock star, so the idea isn't really that original. But hey, if they're making money off of it then I guess it's a great idea regardless!
From Mike, Atlanta, GA I just read some of the comments posted before mine, and I think people should understand that it's not wasteful if the smashed items are being used – She donates the smashed stuff to local colleges to use in their art departments. Yes, there are other ways to relieve stress, but certain things work for certain people. Exercise might work sometimes, but sometimes it just doesn't give the satisfaction you crave.
I like to believe that letting someone vent their anger by smashing things might just prevent the next mass-shooting. If I can offer some advice to the woman who put this thing together – you should consider getting a psychologist on staff to talk to people when they get done in a break room. It doesn't mean the customers are crazy, but it's important for them to get back to neutral before heading back out into the real world, instead of walking out of the place in such a raw emotional state. To some, a 15-minute chat with a therapist might be the only time they feel someone has truly listened to them all day, and that can make a world of difference in their attitudes. It's important for them to not feel like a crazy person after quite literally going crazy smashing things.
To the nay-sayers, I think you should try it before criticizing it. It's not capitalizing on peoples emotions, it's an understanding of human nature. Sometimes people just have violent urges. If we can act on those urges in a controlled environment, it might just prevent us from making stupid, angry decisions that we'll regret.
From Utrecht, Netherlands Perfectly insane. What a complete waste of energy, natural resources and money. All of the above mentioned are becoming scarcer day by day.United state is already consuming 25% of the world total. Go on with this and screw up the whole world. nice
From Alecia, Anchorage Alaska If I didn't live so far away … I would be there tonight!!! Hat's off to you for such a brilliant idea.
From Mike, Atlanta, GA I'm now 24 and during college I had this exact same idea (except mine involved using baseball bats, golf clubs, and random blunt instruments to smash things with) and I presented it during a business communication class and I had tons of classmates saying they loved the idea…while I'm happy to see the idea flourish in the real world, I'm also a little frustrated someone beat me to the punch. If I just had the money I could've done this a couple years ago. I guess the only thing to do now is find a way to improve upon what she's done.
From Sophia, San Diego, CA I've meet Sarah and the staff at Sarah's SmashShack and let me tell you, they are the most down to earth people you could meet! Just because the idea sounds "insane" or "wasteful" or "stupid" doesn't mean it is not helpful for the participants. I'm a firm believer in the 'don't knock it until you try it' motto so, maybe some of you should take a break and just say "hey, good for her and her staff for being able to survive a messed up economy!" Why not send her good thoughts/vibes, Mr. Rob Mc from Tampa? Or what about Louise from Phoenix? You state Sarah should read a book named "the secret", well maybe you should re-read it so you don't continue to put negativity out in your world, it tends to make it's way back to you…
Come on America! Wake up! We are in one of the best counties in the world and you're going to knock someone for starting 1) a non corporate business, 2) a business that apparently is something people have a need or desire to do and 3) for taking the "waste" that another type of business might through away AND then recycling it to be made into beautiful works of art by adults AND local school children????
Why can't our fellow neighbors just be happy that one another are succeding? Do we always have to knock each other down???
Why don't some of the nay-sayers do some research instead of JUST reading an article and see that maybe there is more to an article than just the words on your computer screen.
If anyone in the So. Cal area or anywhere in the world for that matter, ever come to visit San Diego, please don't be discouraged by the people who have never been to Sarah's. Stop by and see for yourself what Sarah and her staff have to offer, it's not just broken glass on a floor. It's release, it's another source of freedom, it's "Hey, I did something I've been told for years not to do and it's okay to do it here!" feeling.
Check it out and see what YOU think.
From Beth, Virginia Sarah's smashing idea for her store is BRILLIANT! I wonder if she is ready to sell franchises?
From Marc, Maine this business is very interesting! lol!
From Anonymous Wonderful idea. Twenty years ago I fantasized about breaking plates from thrift stores. Hats off to her for creating the business. It's usually the most socially conscious, polite and caring people who need a safety valve like this.
From Rob Mc, Tampa, Florida This is about the stupidest activity I've ever seen, and so I'm not surprised to see it's in California. I've been angry enough to break something many times, but I try to find constructive ways to channel that energy, like an intense workout, which both relieves stress and is good for you. Breaking things is just childish behavior, and paying someone else to arrange a room and things for you to break borders on insanity. Go for a long jog instead and donate that $45 to charity–that way you'll be doing something good instead of something ridiculous.
From Tammy, Woodbury MN Some people have no freaking sense of humor.
From Cherry Hill, NJ are you kiddin me? what a waste!
From Jessica, Minneapolis, MN LOVE IT! I wish someone in the Twin Cities would do this! It's fantastic! I would definately do it 1-2 times a month as my therapy!
From Paul, Twin Cities, MN This was actually pioneered by the Japanese a couple of years ago so it's not an American idea. They are quite popular in Japan from what I understand.
From Anita, MD To follow up on the comment about waste from "2 cents": The article indicates that the 'waste' is donated to local art programs. And if they should end up fully stocked, there are plenty of materials manufactured from old ceramics and glass these days; I'm sure the owner need only contact a few manufacturers to find a new place to donate her "post-consumer" recyclable materials… :)
From Anita, MD LOVE it – imagining tossing breakables against a wall has been my mental stress-buster for years…. how much more cathartic would it be if it were real?
It's not a violence thing, and it's not an anti-social or psychotic thing if it's done in a place where it's *meant* to happen… much like shooting at a range isn't the same as shooting on the street! ;)
I'm wondering how I'd go about franchising this on the East Coast… goodness knows we've got a high stress index out here lately!
From Kate, Albany, NY First of all, Louise in AZ, not everyone gets all their frustrations out by reading a self help book or doing yoga. In case you haven't noticed, people are mad and have no way to let it out in an inocuous environment. Have you noticed any road rage lately? Case in point.
So, needless to say, I think this is a great great GREAT idea. It's therapy for 2008 where people don't have time or money to sit down on a therapist's couch. Way to go!
From Louise, Phoenix, AZ Completely absurd!!! There are many ways to channel frustration & anger without encouraging people to be destructive. Capitalizing on others in this manner just shows the lengths some people will go to make a buck off someone else. Maybe the owner should pick up a book like "The Secret" and apply the laws of attraction to her daily life. Joining a local health club & exercising will release stress, maintain and improve one's health.
From Nelson May, Jr. Charlotte, NC INSANE! I love it. Good for you. I love people with zany ideas. BTW, I have a pillow case filled with towels and I beat the hell out of it with a baseball bat.
Just be careful, breaking things is just like eating potato chips, you usually can't stop until you have eaten the whole bag.
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I F-ing love this! And trust me I will be comming in to see you and break some stuff rather sooner then later. My friend was saying how she wishes she could just go in to a room with a baseball bat and go crazy so I started looking online to see if there was such a place and I found you :) I cant wait to come see you guys and let out some anger.