Bikini barista explained

Bikini barista
Competencies:Serving foods and beverages in exotic apparel such as bikini or lingerie
Employment Field:Food service

A bikini barista is a woman who works as a barista, preparing and serving coffee beverages, while dressed in scanty attire such as a bikini, lingerie or a crop top combined with bikini bottoms or hotpants. In the United States, this marketing technique (sometimes referred to as sexpresso or bareista[1] [2]) originated in the Seattle, Washington area in the early 2000s.[3] Similar phenomena have appeared in countries such as Chile[4] [5] [6] and Japan since at least the 1980s.

Development of concept

Sexpresso drive-through stands and coffee outlets are numerous in the greater Seattle area, so much so that coffee stands that have fully clothed employees often advertise themselves as "family friendly". The exact inventor of the "bikini barista" concept is debated.[7] The "Natte Latte" chain's first location was opened in November 1999 by Mary Keller, in Bremerton, Washington. Its employees began sporting pink leather hotpants in 2001.[8] [9] Next, in 2003, "Cowgirls Espresso" opened its first location in Tukwila, Washington. A few months after opening, as summer heat invaded the small 70square feet 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.[10] [11] [12] The concept of "bikini baristas" spread quickly, featuring attractive young women dressed in attire such as bikinis, lingerie, stockings, and heels.[11] [13] [14] The first round of international press attention to the trend occurred in early 2007.[7] [11] [15] Competitors that have not followed suit have complained about the trend, and have also seen a drop in business.[16]

The retail establishments that employ bikini baristas often adopt titillating names, including "Peek A-Brew", "Grab n' Go", "Cowgirls Espresso", "Smokin' Hot Espresso",[17] "Knotty Bodies Espresso",[18] "Java Jigglers",[19] "Espresso Gone Crazy", "Espresso Gone Wild", "Java Girls",[13] "Sweet Spot", "Fantasy Espresso", and "Natte Latte".[20]

Controversies and litigation

The employment of bikini baristas has sometimes caused controversy and complaints from local residents.[18] [21] [22] [23]

As a result of these complaints and incidents, some local jurisdictions have considered adopting local ordinances to regulate and control the activities of the stores.[24] [25] [26]

In Snohomish County

Undercover police officers in Snohomish County, Washington, witnessed some baristas performing additional services for extra money, including letting customers touch them, photograph them, or watch them lick whipped cream off each other. These statements were retracted by the police department in Everett, Washington, as the undercover police officer was a known customer and offered money to the barista.[27] The Everett police department was accused of entrapment.[3] [28] In September 2009, five baristas at a Grab 'n Go in Everett were charged with prostitution after police surveillance caught them stripping and performing sexual acts for cash.[17] [29] Other complaints were in regard to the stand's proximity to preschools and daycare centers.[30]

In July 2011, the owner and three employees of Java Juggs in Edmonds, Washington, were charged with prostitution,[31] with the police later releasing some footage obtained.[32]

Everett (the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County) was temporarily enjoined against enforcing a dress code ordinance against bikini baristas in December 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Marsha J. Pechman, who found it unconstitutionally vague, violated their freedom of expression under the First Amendment, and unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment since it primarily targeted women.[33] [34] In March 2018, the city filed an appeal with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and requested the injunction be lifted.[35] The City of Everett was granted that appeal in July 2019; the case was referred back to the U.S. District Court,[36] where Judge Ricardo S. Martinez subsequently ruled against the city in October 2022, supporting the premise of the ordinance violating the Equal Protection Clause but rejecting the baristas' argument of it violating their freedom of expression.[37] [38]

In Belfair, Washington

In another incident, "Espresso Gone Wild" in Belfair, Washington was temporarily shut down by Mason County in August 2008. It drew the ire of Belfair residents. Mason County officials responded to complaints in the July 30, 2008 meeting by ruling the espresso stand is "erotic entertainment" and off limits in the Belfair area. The owners of "Espresso Gone Wild" in Belfair were being told that their baristas were violating an erotic entertainment ordinance. They were also told that their baristas need to cover up and clean up their act or the stand would be shut down permanently. Mason County Commissioner Tim Sheldon said the owners of "Espresso Gone Wild" are welcome to open a coffee shop and compete with all the other coffee shops in town. Sheldon also says the owners can not sell sex and coffee on the side.[39] [40] "Espresso Gone Wild" in Belfair, Washington was prohibited from allowing employees to wear pasties and their baristas now wear bikinis.[13] Residents in another community have surveilled a local stand and called for boycotts of companies whose employees patronize the establishments.[41]

In Yakima, Washington

In Yakima, Washington, a bikini bar owner was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $1,000[42] because, at the coffee shop, the barista "wore shorts determined to be both too skimpy and too sheer. A city ordinance bans bikini baristas from wearing G-strings and see-through clothing."[43] The barista was charged but acquitted by the jury in the indecent exposure case.[42]

Growth outside Seattle area

Some entrepreneurs have opened bikini barista stores with success outside the Seattle area, including in Raleigh, North Carolina,[44] Aurora, Colorado,[45] Portland, Oregon,[46] Youngstown, Ohio,[47] Tampa, Florida,[48] Pasadena, Maryland,[49] Chatsworth, Georgia,[50] Las Vegas,[51] [52] Texas, and Missouri.[53] [54] A company called "Baristas" has been dubbed the Hooters of coffee due to its size and popularity in the market.[55] Hooters is a place in which scantily clad women serve food and drinks to patrons.

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.[56]

One chain in particular called "Bottoms Up Espresso",[57] who have expanded into multiple Northern California markets including locations in Modesto,[58] Tracy, Clovis, Bakersfield, and Vernalis has quickly become a favorite among social media users with their baristas featured regularly on the website The Chive[59] and other popular websites. With the brands growing popularity they have expanded into a mobile food truck style service and expanded into its line of merchandise including yearly calendars featuring their current line up of bikini baristas.

Two bikini barista businesses opened in northwest Fresno, California, Java Girls Espresso and Pink Pantherz Espresso, mid 2014.[60]

Reported incidents

Outside the United States

Sex work

In a column published in Sociological Images, the sociologist Lisa Wade used the bikini barista as a launching point for a discussion of the boundaries of sex work. The question has also been the subject of an essay published in The Atlantic.[71]

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bare-ista, News – . . 2009-02-27 . 2013-07-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131227070836/http://www.punemirror.in/article/5/2009022720090227034756607de1e0b4b/Bareista.html . 2013-12-27 .
  2. Web site: Bareista.com Home . Bareista.com . 2013-07-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130712034955/http://www.bareista.com/ . 2013-07-12 .
  3. News: Are Bikini Baristas Getting Too Steamy? . Associated Press . . February 5, 2010 . March 9, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100208155137/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/05/business/main6176773.shtml . 8 February 2010 . dead .
  4. News: A Little Skin With Your Latte? . Heather Murphy . . September 17, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  5. News: Café Con Piernas: Good 'Til the Last Drop . Adam Fuller and Jason Snyder . . August 1, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  6. News: Out on a limb for coffee with legs . John Flinn . . February 12, 2006 . March 9, 2010.
  7. News: Some coffee stands get steamier . Amy Roe . . January 22, 2007 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070124185008/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com:80/html/localnews/2003535398_coffeegirls22e.html . 24 January 2007 .
  8. News: Baristas Aim to Up Coffee Sales by Stripping Down . Chris Henry . . February 15, 2008 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090901053154/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/15/baristas-aim-to-up-coffee-sales-by-stripping/ . September 1, 2009 .
  9. News: Seahawks Stadium hands off coffee contract to Seattle's Best . Christine Frey . . August 12, 2002 . March 10, 2010. ("The first Natte Latte opened in SeaTac in November 1999 and closed two years later, shortly after Keller began working to obtain a contract with the Seahawks, she said. The Gorst location, whose seven employees wear hot pink shorts while preparing coffee, opened in June 2001.")
  10. News: Shedding Clothes And Selling Coffee . Caitlin A. Johnson . . February 18, 2007 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070227221753/https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/18/sunday/main2491158.shtml . 27 February 2007 .
  11. News: Seattle-Area Coffee Shops Show Some Skin . Gene Johnson (Associated Press) . . January 29, 2007 . March 9, 2010.
  12. [Extreme (Travel Channel series)|Extreme Fast Food]
  13. News: Bikini Baristas Try To Get Leg Up In Seattle. Sara Lerner . . September 17, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  14. News: Bikini baristas comfortable in their jobs . Julie Muhlstein . . June 11, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  15. News: Sexpresso coffee shops take Seattle by storm . https://web.archive.org/web/20081223100155/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sexpresso-coffee-shops-take-seattle-by-storm-435093.html . dead . December 23, 2008 . Andrew Gumbel . . February 5, 2007 . March 9, 2010.
  16. News: 'Sexy espresso' stands leave competitors steaming . David Chircop . . May 16, 2008 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080518153232/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080516/NEWS01/647107885/0/SPORTS . 18 May 2008 .
  17. News: Bikini Barista Controversy Photos. . December 17, 2009 . March 9, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100209083404/http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504083_162-5990739.html. 9 February 2010 . live.
  18. News: Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand . Nicole Tsong . . November 23, 2009 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091127051803/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/bellevueblog/2010339374_bikinibaristasstirringthingsupincrossroads.html . 27 November 2009 .
  19. News: Java Jigglers owner arrested on sex charges . Chelsea Krotzer . Daily Record . September 26, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  20. News: Coffee, with sugar, in Seattle . Sam Howe Verhovek . . 4 February 2007 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081207112018/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/feb/04/nation/na-sexpresso4 . 7 December 2008 .
  21. News: Bikini-clad baristas serve up more than a cupful, it's an eyeful . . November 24, 2009 . March 9, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100203141533/http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/Bikini-clad-baristas-serve-up-more-than-a-cupful/q3vbxFORrE6Z7ajit8-lsw.cspx . 2010-02-03 . dead .
  22. News: Steamed Over Bikini Baristas (Video) . . November 24, 2009 . March 9, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100317130219/http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5764397n. 17 March 2010 . live.
  23. News: Local baristas say bikini, topless trend spilling over . . May 21, 2008 . March 9, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100420052236/http://www.komonews.com/news/19159479.html. 20 April 2010 . live.
  24. News: 'Bikini baristas': Cities explore options for coverup . David Chircop . . May 27, 2008 . March 9, 2010.
  25. News: SnoCo rules bikini baristas are adult businesses . Associated Press . . December 9, 2009 . March 9, 2010 . December 22, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091222085810/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010463267_apwabikinibaristas.html . dead .
  26. News: Washington town sets limits on bikini baristas' behavior . Ray Lane . . October 2, 2009 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110718232027/http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/63274262.html . July 18, 2011 .
  27. Web site: Did sergeant in 'bikini barista' sting help drive-through coffee shops operate as strip clubs? . . . 27 June 2013 . 31 January 2014 . Neil . Martha.
  28. Web site: Hefley. Diana. Five risque Everett Grab-N-Go baristas charged with prostitution. The Everett Herald. 23 September 2009 .
  29. News: Holder . Dominic . 8 January 2010 . Your Tax Dollars Hard at NSFW . . 22 October 2022.
  30. Web site: Chircop. David. Racy espresso stand upsets preschool's parents. The Everett Herald. 6 February 2009 .
  31. Web site: Java Juggs baristas, owner busted for prostitution after probe . 7 July 2011 . KOMO News . 21 July 2016.
  32. Web site: Undercover cop video shows barista stripping at coffee stand . 25 August 2011 . KOMO News . 21 July 2016.
  33. News: King . Rikki . Judge temporarily blocks Everett's bikini-barista dress code . 22 October 2022 . The Everett Herald . 4 December 2017.
  34. News: Carter . Mike . Judge: Everett's bikini baristas don't have to cover up – at least for now . 22 October 2022 . . 4 December 2017.
  35. News: Rule clear about bikini baristas' exposure, Everett argues . 2 April 2018 . The Everett Herald . 3 April 2018.
  36. News: City of Everett wins in bikini barista federal court case. Davey. Stephanie. 3 July 2019. The Everett Herald. en-US. 12 September 2019.
  37. News: Clarridge . Christine . Everett, Washington's bikini barista dress code ruled unconstitutional . 22 October 2022 . . 21 October 2022 . en.
  38. News: Skimpy latte: victory for bikini baristas as federal court rejects city's dress code . . . October 29, 2022 . October 29, 2022.
  39. Web site: Belfair cracks down on sexpresso stands | KING5.com Seattle . King5.com . 2008-08-04 . 2013-07-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140203020334/http://www.king5.com/archive/60433417.html . 2014-02-03 .
  40. Web site: VIDEO: One County Says No Bikini Baristas, Another Says OK . KiroTV . 2013-07-24 . 2013-07-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201246/http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/video-one-county-says-no-bikini-baristas-another/vCfZk/ . 2014-02-01 .
  41. News: Tattler Web Site Outs Workers Seen Visiting Bare Baristas . . November 12, 2009 . March 9, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100119015557/http://www.kirotv.com/news/21599815/detail.html . 2010-01-19 . dead .
  42. Web site: Coffee Shop Owner Guilty of Indecent Exposure Due to Skimpy See-Through Shorts on 'Bikini Barista' . American Bar Association . 7 February 2011 . 31 January 2014 . Neil, Martha.
  43. Web site: Do coffee baristas serve up too much while wearing too little? Cities enact new laws, conduct raids . American Bar Association . 28 January 2014 . 31 January 2014 . Neil, Martha.
  44. News: Shaffer: Coffee with a sexy smile at Cup O Jane . Josh Shaffer . January 6, 2013 . January 8, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130108215622/http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/01/06/2587071/shaffer-coffee-with-a-sexy-smile.html . January 8, 2013 .
  45. News: Bikini coffee shop sparks boycott in Colo. . https://web.archive.org/web/20100609135710/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXvEgHI0wtM8mgYkNOgWamA4CE1AD9G5GQ5G0 . dead . June 9, 2010 . . June 6, 2010 . June 10, 2010. (describing boycott called for "Perky Cups" in Aurora, Colorado)
  46. News: Bikini Coffee tries Portland on for size . Helen Jung . . June 25, 2008 . March 9, 2010 . June 8, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110608195112/http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1214358965169540.xml&coll=7 . dead .
  47. Web site: Youngstown News, Boardman to take a break from OK'ing vendors . . 2012-07-14 . 2013-07-29 . 2014-04-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140418222015/http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jul/14/boardman-take-break-oking-vendors/ . dead .
  48. News: Babes In The 'Hood . Harold Valentine . . March 26, 2008 . March 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081102221859/http://carrollwood2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/26/cw-babes-in-the-hood/ . November 2, 2008 .
  49. News: Java Divas has baristas in bikinis (and other outfits) . Sam Sessa . . August 2, 2010 . August 2, 2010.
  50. News: Bikini-themed coffee shop opens in Chatsworth . Mark Millican . . July 14, 2009 . March 9, 2010.
  51. News: Sexpresso: Coffee with a Sexy Twist . Gary Dettman . . November 18, 2007 . March 9, 2010.
  52. News: Some like it hottie at new Vegas coffee shop . https://web.archive.org/web/20121103064641/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-11331034.html . dead . November 3, 2012 . . November 27, 2007 . March 9, 2010.
  53. News: Barista Beauties: Coffee shop to feature sexy servers . . May 18, 2008 . March 10, 2010 . July 25, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110725194625/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/coffee-86703-girls-java.html . dead .
  54. News: Hot coffee shop is far cooler than its racy reputation . Susan Weich . . May 18, 2008 . March 10, 2010.
  55. Web site: Hooters of coffee coming to Cape Coral . . FLNewsFeed . 2013-06-21 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125438/http://www.flnewsfeed.com/cape-coral/hooters-of-coffee-coming-to-cape-coral/ . 2013-11-02 . 2014-05-09.
  56. News: Bye Bye, Bikini Baristas . Jenna Briand . . November 5, 2009 . March 9, 2010.
  57. News: Skin Is In At Modesto Coffee Shops . Staff . KCRA Channel 3 . Jul 29, 2011 . October 10, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131203051138/http://www.kcra.com/Skin-Is-In-At-Modesto-Coffee-Shops/-/11798090/12656746/-/15r356t/-/index.html . December 3, 2013 .
  58. Web site: Local and Breaking News from The Modesto Bee in Modesto, California . ModBee.com . 2014-08-23 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222323/http://www.modbee.com/2011/08/03/1801988/bikini-clad-baristas-in-modesto.html . 2013-12-02 .
  59. News: So you pull up to the drive thru at Bottoms Up Espresso and then Amber . https://archive.today/20131011224703/http://thechive.com/2013/10/03/so-you-pull-up-to-the-drive-thru-at-bottoms-up-espresso-and-then-amber-18-photos/ . dead . October 11, 2013 . John . The Chive . October 3, 2011 . October 10, 2013.
  60. News: Clough. Bethany. Bikini baristas now serving coffee in Fresno shops. June 17, 2014. The Fresno Bee. June 17, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140621232845/http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/06/17/3982634/bikini-baristas-have-come-to-fresno.html. June 21, 2014. dead.
  61. News: Burton . Jynsi . Charge:Repeat offender caught pleasuring self at bikini barista stand . 29 May 2020 . Komonews . Sinclair Broadcast Group . 7 June 2017.
  62. Web site: Salo . Jackie . Bikini barista: How I escaped an attempted rape at knifepoint . New York Post . NYP HOLDINGS, INC. . 29 May 2020 . 22 February 2018.
  63. Web site: Kent police make arrest in attempted rape at bikini barista stand . Kiro 7 . Cox Media Group . 29 May 2020 . 21 February 2018.
  64. News: Bikini barista coffee stand robbed in Mount Vernon . 12 July 2020 . KIRO 7 . Cox Media Group . 28 August 2019.
  65. Web site: Mann . David . Pasco man arrested for 'pleasuring himself' outside bikini barista drive-thru window, police say . YAKTRINEWS . Morgan Murphy Media . 20 September 2020 . September 15, 2020 . 20 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101044/https://www.yaktrinews.com/pasco-man-arrested-for-pleasuring-himself-outside-bikini-barista-drive-thru-window-police-say/ . dead .
  66. Web site: Hagen . Madeleine . Repeat lewd offender remains in Franklin County Jail . YAKTRINEWS . Morgan Murphy Media . 22 September 2020 . September 18, 2020.
  67. News: Jankowicz . Mia . Bikini Barista Describes the Moment a Would-Be Kidnapper Tried to Drag Her Through a Drive-Thru Window . 5 February 2023 . Entrepreneur . Entrepreneur Media, Inc . January 18, 2023.
  68. News: Laura Maggi, business a gogò. Le foto sexy pure . none . . 28 February 2014 . August 25, 2015.
  69. News: Why Pick on Betel-nut Beauties? . Huang . Wan-tran . Taipei Times . 12 March 2007 . 13 November 2012.
  70. News: Marks. Kathy. Clock is ticking for Australia's bikini-clad Meter Maids. 2015-04-27. The Independent (UK). 2010-05-13.
  71. Just Because I Work Here Doesn't Mean I Don't Respect Myself. The Atlantic. 7 April 2015. Leah Sottile .

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