"spatz" was devised by andrew bethell as a drama for teenagers set in a 1930s themed burger bar, so named because spats might have been worn there. alan horrox at thames television bought the concept and title and passed them to grant cathro and lee pressman, already established at thames television as the writers of "t-bag" and creators of "mike and angelo", to develop "spatz" as a sitcom. while updating the setting to a standard fast food restaurant, the name "spatz" was retained, with the writers noting that it suggested spats or disagreements.