Posted on 05/22/2008 7:59:51 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
EVERETT -- It's a fad that's picking up steam in Snohomish County's hyper-competitive coffee market.
Espresso drive-through stands with bikini- and lingerie-sporting baristas are popping up from Monroe to Edmonds.
In the past year, at least six of these java joints employing provocatively dressed young women have opened in the county.
A few owners of these roadside stands say business is so brisk, they're hiring more employees and have plans to open new locations.
"I brought a touch of Vegas back to Washington," said Bill Wheeler, who opened Grab 'N' Go Espresso on Highway 99 just south of Everett last year.
Wheeler says he aims to soon operate a dozen stands in Washington and Nevada, including one with male baristas in tight Speedos and bowties.
Sometimes wearing little more than pasties and bikini bottoms, the scantily clad baristas at Wheeler's stands have scores of well-tipping customers.
While customers are expressing support with their pocketbooks, some people are complaining that these new businesses are pushing boundaries too far.
They've told law enforcement officers and elected officials that they think the stands should be more tightly regulated.
"I'm not against people making money," said Kimberly Gainza, 37, of Everett. "What I'm against is how they're going about doing it. It's not right -- on a road where everybody can see."
Gainza got a jolt a few weeks ago while stuck in traffic on Highway 99. She spotted a barista with bright blue stickers strategically placed on her chest standing at a stand's drive-up window.
As long as genitals and nipples are covered, police say the stands do not violate indecent exposure laws. Health officials and state Labor and Industries officials say there are no clothing requirements for baristas.
(Excerpt) Read more at heraldnet.com ...
Where’d you find that picture of a young Helen Thomas??
I don’t even drink coffee anymore and I am all in favor of this development.
Hell, if they had something like that around here, I might pick up the habit again!
Your last statement was:
I would absolutely condone her working somewhere like this.
Someone might then expect you to follow up with something like: "...because she's a beautiful girl..."
I was simply curious what your "because" statement might look like...
Oh. Simple. Because it’s her choice, not mine. It’s her body - if she wants to show it off, let her.
Cute kids. Reminds me of the bettle (sp?) nut stands in Taiwan with some scantily dressed and sometimes “hotty” outside.
The bikini hot dog stand chick in a neighboring town in my area blows the competition away during the summer.
I think Atlanta would respond well to the idea IN-TOWN - not in the Burbs.
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