Adult Sex News from Hush-Hush.co.uk UK Adult DirectoryWorld Sex News'Sexy espresso' stands leave competitors steamingMay 31, 2008 - 4:23:17 PM
"As long as genitals and nipples are covered, police say the stands do not violate indecent exposure laws," HeraldNet.com reports. Now regular coffeehouses are starting to feel the heat from their new competition. "We saw our male clientele dwindle to next to nothing," one espresso stand owner said. EVERETT -- It's a fad that's picking up steam in Snoho mish 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. Gainza said she wants to change that and is hoping she can persuade policymakers to clamp down. Wheeler, who said he employs his own 17-year-old daughter at a stand, doesn't understand what the fuss is about. He said people wear more revealing outfits on beaches in the county. Some competing businesses say "sexpresso" stands are changing the marketplace. "In my opinion, it's the end of our business," said Tina Taylor, who has owned Giddy Up 'N' Go Espresso south of Everett for eight years. Since more racy stands opened north and south of her business, she's seen traffic dip. At times she'll go an hour without a customer, she said. Meanwhile, her competitors almost always seem to have cars lined up. Ruth Oliver, who has owned R & R Espresso in Bothell for 17 years, said she is disturbed by the trend, especially the more risque businesses. "I'm not turning my place into a strip club because business is down," she said. "I'd rather close down." Some stands are trying to cash in on the backlash. They are displaying family-friendly signs and other messages including "We Make it Hot with our Tops On," "R-rated Coffee; PG-rated Girls" and "Known 4 Coffee Not Cleavage!" And there's plenty of trash talking across the coffee divide. Sara Barnfather, 22, a barista with Stars and Stripes Espresso in Everett, said she's "proud to be classy, not trashy." "If you like nipples and third-degree burns, go for it," she said. "But it's not my cup of tea." Stars and Stripes owner Dale Fischer said he doesn't plan on changing his business model. Read the full article online here... All articles are © copyright by www.hush-hush.co.uk unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. |
