A bikini barista is a person, normally an attractive young female, who prepares and serves coffee drinks while dressed in scanty attire such as a bikini or lingerie. This marketing trend (sometimes referred to as sexpresso[1][2]) developed in the Seattle, Washington area of the northwestern United States in the early 2000s, and gained international attention by early 2007.[3]
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Espresso drive-through stands and coffee outlets are numerous in the greater Seattle area, and the exact inventor of the "bikini barista" concept is debated.[1] The "Natte Latte" chain's first location was opened in November 1999 by Mary Keller, and its employees began sporting pink leather hotpants in 2001.[4][5] Next, in 2003, "Cowgirls Espresso" opened its first location in Tukwila, Washington. A few months after opening, as summer heat invaded the small 70 square foot shop, owner Lori Bowden adopted employee suggestions that they start a "Bikini Wednesday" promotion. Sales took off, and other scantily-clad theme days soon followed.[6][7][2] The concept of "bikini baristas" spread quickly, featuring attractive young women dressed in attire such as bikinis, lingerie, stockings, and heels.[6][8][9] The first round of international press attention to the trend occurred in early 2007.[1][6][10] Competitors that have not followed suit have complained about the trend, and have also seen a drop in business.[11]
The retail establishments which employ bikini baristas often adopt titillating names, including "Peek A-Brew", "Grab n' Go", "Cowgirls Espresso", "Smokin' Hot Espresso",[12] "Knotty Bodies Espresso",[13] "Java Jigglers",[14] "Chicka Latte", "Espresso Gone Wild", "Java Girls",[8] "Sweet Spot", and "Natte Latte".[15]
Not surprisingly, the phenomenon of bikini baristas has caused controversy and complaints from local residents.[13][16][17][18] There have also been allegations that some baristas are performing additional services for extra money, including letting customers touch them or photograph them.[3] In September 2009, five baristas at a Grab 'n Go in Everett, Washington were charged with prostitution after police surveillance caught them stripping for cash.[12] In another incident, "Espresso Gone Wild" in Seattle was prohibited from allowing employees to wear pasties.[8] And residents in another community have survielled a local stand and called for boycotts of companies whose employees patronize the establishments.[19]
As a result of these complaints and incidents, some local jurisdictions have been considering and adopting local ordinances to regulate and control the activities of the stores.[20][21][22]
Some entrepreneurs have attempted to open bikini barista stores outside the Seattle area. A Los Angeles area store called "Bikini Espresso" only lasted four months in the Los Angeles area in 2009, and closed with complaints of over-regulation.[23] But other stores have been reported as opening in places including Portland, Oregon,[24] Tampa, Florida, [25] Chatsworth, Georgia, [26], Las Vegas,[27][28] Texas, and Missouri.[29][30]
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A bikini barista is a person, normally an attractive young female, who prepares and serves coffee drinks while dressed in scanty attire such as a bikini or lingerie. This marketing trend (sometimes referred to as sexpresso[1][2]) developed in the Seattle, Washington area of the northwestern United States in the early 2000s, and gained international attention by early 2007.[3]
Contents |
Espresso drive-through stands and coffee outlets are numerous in the greater Seattle area, and the exact inventor of the "bikini barista" concept is debated.[1] The "Natte Latte" chain's first location was opened in November 1999 by Mary Keller, and its employees began sporting pink leather hotpants in 2001.[4][5] Next, in 2003, "Cowgirls Espresso" opened its first location in Tukwila, Washington. A few months after opening, as summer heat invaded the small 70-square-foot (6.5 m2) shop, owner Lori Bowden adopted employee suggestions that they start a "Bikini Wednesday" promotion. Sales took off, and other scantily-clad theme days soon followed.[2][6][7] The concept of "bikini baristas" spread quickly, featuring attractive young women dressed in attire such as bikinis, lingerie, stockings, and heels.[6][8][9] The first round of international press attention to the trend occurred in early 2007.[1][6][10] Competitors that have not followed suit have complained about the trend, and have also seen a drop in business.[11]
The retail establishments which employ bikini baristas often adopt titillating names, including "Peek A-Brew", "Grab n' Go", "Cowgirls Espresso", "Smokin' Hot Espresso",[12] "Knotty Bodies Espresso",[13] "Java Jigglers",[14] "Chicka Latte", "Espresso Gone Wild", "Java Girls",[8] "Sweet Spot", and "Natte Latte".[15]
Not surprisingly, the phenomenon of bikini baristas has caused controversy and complaints from local residents.[13][16][17][18] There have also been allegations that some baristas are performing additional services for extra money, including letting customers touch them or photograph them.[3] In September 2009, five baristas at a Grab 'n Go in Everett, Washington were charged with prostitution after police surveillance caught them stripping for cash.[12] In another incident, "Espresso Gone Wild" in Belfair, WA was prohibited from allowing employees to wear pasties.[8] And residents in another community have survielled a local stand and called for boycotts of companies whose employees patronize the establishments.[19]
As a result of these complaints and incidents, some local jurisdictions have been considering and adopting local ordinances to regulate and control the activities of the stores.[20][21][22]
Some entrepreneurs have opened bikini barista stores with success outside the Seattle area. A Los Angeles area store called "Bikini Espresso" only lasted four months in the Los Angeles area in 2009, and closed with complaints of over-regulation.[23] Other stores have reported that will open in places outside Seattle, Washington; including Aurora, Colorado,[24], Portland, Oregon,[25] Tampa, Florida,[26] Chatsworth, Georgia,[27] Las Vegas,[28][29] Texas, and Missouri.[30][31]
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