Bikini barista

{{short description|Person who serves coffee while dressed in two-piece swimwear}} {{Infobox occupation | name = Bikini barista | image = Bottoms Up Expresso (Clovis, California) bikini barista (4).jpg | caption = A bikini barista at Bottoms Up Espresso's drive-thru in Clovis, California (2020) | official_names = | type = | activity_sector = | competencies = Serving foods and beverages in exotic apparel such as bikini or lingerie | employment_field = Food service | related_occupation = Barista | average_salary = }} 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'''<ref name="seattimesjan97"/><ref name="cbsfeb97"/> or '''bareista'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.punemirror.in/article/5/2009022720090227034756607de1e0b4b/Bareista.html |title=Bare-ista, News – |work=Pune Mirror |date=2009-02-27 |access-date=2013-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227070836/http://www.punemirror.in/article/5/2009022720090227034756607de1e0b4b/Bareista.html |archive-date=2013-12-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bareista.com/ |title=Bareista.com Home |publisher=Bareista.com |access-date=2013-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712034955/http://www.bareista.com/ |archive-date=2013-07-12 }}</ref>) originated in the Seattle, Washington, area in the early 2000s.<ref name="cbs1">{{cite news | url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-bikini-baristas-getting-too-steamy/ | title= Are Bikini Baristas Getting Too Steamy? | agency= Associated Press | work= CBS News | date= February 5, 2010 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100208155137/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/05/business/main6176773.shtml | archive-date= 8 February 2010 | url-status= live }}</ref> Similar phenomena have appeared in countries such as Chile.<ref name="npr2">{{cite news | url= https://www.npr.org/blogs/daydreaming/2008/09/a_little_skin_with_your_latte_1.html | title= A Little Skin With Your Latte? | author= Heather Murphy | publisher=National Public Radio | date= September 17, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="santtimes">{{cite news | url= http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14337:CAF%C3%89-CON-PIERNAS:-GOOD-%27TIL-THE-LAST-DROP&catid=68:revolver-weekend-edition&Itemid=145 | title= Café Con Piernas: Good 'Til the Last Drop | author= Adam Fuller and Jason Snyder | work= The Santiago Times | date= August 1, 2008 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-date= January 16, 2013 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130116001917/http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14337:CAF%C3%89-CON-PIERNAS:-GOOD-'TIL-THE-LAST-DROP&catid=68:revolver-weekend-edition&Itemid=145 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="sfchron">{{cite news | url= https://www.sfgate.com/travel/departures/article/Out-on-a-limb-for-coffee-with-legs-2541584.php | title= Out on a limb for coffee with legs | author= John Flinn | work=San Francisco Chronicle | date= February 12, 2006 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref>

== Development of concept == [[File:Sweet Spot Cafe Shoreline.jpg|thumb|The Sweet Spot Cafe in Shoreline, Washington]] thumb|upright|"Espresso Gone Crazy" is an example of the branding used by bikini barista stands. Sexpresso drive-through stands and coffee outlets are numerous in the greater Seattle area,<ref>{{citation|title=Washington's Weird Bikini Barista Culture|author=Lindy West|date=February 5, 2014|work=Jezebel|url=https://jezebel.com/washingtons-weird-bikini-barista-culture-1516001624}}</ref> so much so that coffee stands that have fully clothed employees often advertise themselves as "family friendly".<ref>{{citation|title=Everett officials consider dress code for bikini baristas|date=April 8, 2017|publisher=Associated Press|via=U.S. News & World Report|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2017-04-08/everett-officials-consider-dress-code-for-bikini-baristas}}</ref> The exact inventor of the "bikini barista" concept is debated.<ref name="seattimesjan97">{{cite news | url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003535398_coffeegirls22e.html | title=Some coffee stands get steamier | author=Amy Roe | work=The Seattle Times | date=January 22, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124185008/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003535398_coffeegirls22e.html | archive-date=January 24, 2007 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="hotpants">{{cite news | url= https://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/Feb/15/baristas-aim-to-up-coffee-sales-by-stripping/ | title= Baristas Aim to Up Coffee Sales by Stripping Down | author= Chris Henry | work= Kitsap Sun | date= February 15, 2008 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090901053154/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/15/baristas-aim-to-up-coffee-sales-by-stripping/ | archive-date= September 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="hotpants2">{{cite news | url= http://www.seattlepi.com/football/82145_coffee10.shtml | title= Seahawks Stadium hands off coffee contract to Seattle's Best | author= Christine Frey | work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer | date= August 12, 2002 | access-date=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.")</ref> Next, in 2003, "Cowgirls Espresso" opened its first location in Tukwila, Washington. A few months after opening, as summer heat invaded the small {{convert|70|sqft|m2|adj=on}} 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.<ref name="cbsfeb97">{{cite news | url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shedding-clothes-and-selling-coffee/ | title= Shedding Clothes And Selling Coffee | author= Caitlin A. Johnson | work=CBS News | date= February 18, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227221753/https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/18/sunday/main2491158.shtml | archive-date=27 February 2007 }}</ref><ref name="postjan97">{{cite news | url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/29/AR2007012900838.html | title= Seattle-Area Coffee Shops Show Some Skin | author= Gene Johnson (Associated Press) | newspaper=The Washington Post | date= January 29, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref><ref>Extreme Fast Food, Travel Channel segment ("Lori Bowden: 'Cowgirls Espresso was started about seven years ago, about four months after opening, it was about June–July, it was hot. It was a very small espresso stand, 70 square foot. And so they're like, 'what do you think about us wearing a bikini on Wednesday?' And I said, 'hmm, let me check on that.' ... Sales skyrocketed 100%")</ref> The concept of "bikini baristas" spread quickly, featuring attractive young women dressed in attire such as bikinis, lingerie, stockings, and heels.<ref name="postjan97"/><ref name="npr1">{{cite news | url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94715155 | title= Bikini Baristas Try To Get Leg Up In Seattle| author= Sara Lerner | work=National Public Radio | date= September 17, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="girlsok">{{cite news | url= http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080611/NEWS01/849783084&news01ad=1 | title= Bikini baristas comfortable in their jobs | author= Julie Muhlstein | work=The Herald (Everett) | date= June 11, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> The first round of international press attention to the trend occurred in early 2007.<ref name="seattimesjan97"/><ref name="postjan97"/><ref name="indy">{{cite news | url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sexpresso-coffee-shops-take-seattle-by-storm-435093.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081223100155/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sexpresso-coffee-shops-take-seattle-by-storm-435093.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= December 23, 2008 | title= Sexpresso coffee shops take Seattle by storm | author= Andrew Gumbel | work=The Independent | date= February 5, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Competitors that have not followed suit have complained about the trend, and have also seen a drop in business.<ref name="complose">{{cite news | url= http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080516/NEWS01/647107885/0/SPORTS | title='Sexy espresso' stands leave competitors steaming | author= David Chircop | work=The Herald (Everett) | date= May 16, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518153232/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080516/NEWS01/647107885/0/SPORTS | archive-date=18 May 2008 }}</ref>

The retail establishments that employ bikini baristas often adopt titillating names, including "Peek A-Brew", "Grab n' Go", "Cowgirls Espresso", "Smokin' Hot Espresso",<ref name="cbsphotos">{{cite news | url= http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504083_162-5990739.html | title= Bikini Barista Controversy Photos| work=CBS News | date= December 17, 2009 | access-date=March 9, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100209083404/http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504083_162-5990739.html| archive-date= 9 February 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref> "Knotty Bodies Espresso",<ref name="knotty">{{cite news | url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/bellevueblog/2010339374_bikinibaristasstirringthingsupincrossroads.html | title= Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand | author= Nicole Tsong | work=The Seattle Times | date= November 23, 2009 | access-date=March 9, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127051803/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/bellevueblog/2010339374_bikinibaristasstirringthingsupincrossroads.html | archive-date=27 November 2009 }}</ref> "Java Jigglers",<ref name="getjiggy1">{{cite news | url= http://dailyrecordnews.com/news/article_247c1b26-0db7-57f9-94b3-8635fd6c1578.html | title= Java Jigglers owner arrested on sex charges | author= Chelsea Krotzer | work=Daily Record | date= September 26, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> "Espresso Gone Crazy", "Espresso Gone Wild", "ChickaLatte", "Java Girls",<ref name="npr1"/> "Sweet Spot", "Fantasy Espresso", and "Natte Latte".<ref name="sweetspot">{{cite news | url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-feb-04-na-sexpresso4-story.html | title= Coffee, with sugar, in Seattle | author= Sam Howe Verhovek | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | date= 4 February 2007 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207112018/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/feb/04/nation/na-sexpresso4 | archive-date=7 December 2008 }}</ref>

== Controversies and litigation==

The employment of bikini baristas has sometimes caused controversy and complaints from local residents.<ref name="knotty"/><ref name="knotty2">{{cite news | url= http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/Bikini-clad-baristas-serve-up-more-than-a-cupful/q3vbxFORrE6Z7ajit8-lsw.cspx | title= Bikini-clad baristas serve up more than a cupful, it's an eyeful | work= KING-TV | date= November 24, 2009 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-url= 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 | archive-date= 2010-02-03 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="cbsvid">{{cite news | url= http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5764397n | title= Steamed Over Bikini Baristas (Video) | work=CBS News | date= November 24, 2009 | access-date=March 9, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317130219/http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5764397n| archive-date= 17 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="angels">{{cite news | url= http://www.komonews.com/news/19159479.html | title= Local baristas say bikini, topless trend spilling over | work=KOMO-TV | date= May 21, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100420052236/http://www.komonews.com/news/19159479.html| archive-date= 20 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

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.<ref name="coverup">{{cite news | url= http://heraldnet.com/article/20080527/NEWS01/383827930 | title= 'Bikini baristas': Cities explore options for coverup | author= David Chircop | work=The Herald (Everett) | date= May 27, 2008 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="snocoreg">{{cite news | url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010463267_apwabikinibaristas.html | title= SnoCo rules bikini baristas are adult businesses | agency= Associated Press | work= The Seattle Times | date= December 9, 2009 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-date= December 22, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091222085810/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010463267_apwabikinibaristas.html | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="evreg">{{cite news | url= http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/63274262.html | title= Washington town sets limits on bikini baristas' behavior | author= Ray Lane | work= KBOI-TV | date= October 2, 2009 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110718232027/http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/63274262.html | archive-date= July 18, 2011 }}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name="Did sergeant in 'bikini barista' sting help drive-through coffee shops operate as strip clubs?">{{cite web | url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/sergeant_accused_of_helping_bikini_barristas_operate_drive-through_coffee/ | title=Did sergeant in 'bikini barista' sting help drive-through coffee shops operate as strip clubs? | work=ABA Journal | publisher=American Bar Association | date=27 June 2013 | access-date=31 January 2014 | last=Neil | first=Martha}}</ref> The Everett police department was accused of entrapment.<ref name="cbs1"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Hefley|first=Diana|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090923/NEWS01/909239969/0/FRONTPAGE|title=Five risque Everett Grab-N-Go baristas charged with prostitution|work=The Everett Herald|date=23 September 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="cbsphotos"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Holder |first=Dominic |date=8 January 2010 |url=https://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/01/08/your-tax-dollars-hard-at-nsfw |title=Your Tax Dollars Hard at NSFW |work=The Stranger |access-date=22 October 2022}}</ref> Other complaints were in regard to the stand's proximity to preschools and daycare centers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chircop|first=David|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090207/NEWS01/702079900|title=Racy espresso stand upsets preschool's parents|work=The Everett Herald|date=6 February 2009 }}</ref>

In July 2011, the owner and three employees of Java Juggs in Edmonds, Washington, were charged with prostitution,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://komonews.com/news/local/java-juggs-baristas-owner-busted-for-prostitution-after-probe-11-21-2015 |title=Java Juggs baristas, owner busted for prostitution after probe |date=7 July 2011 |publisher=KOMO News |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> with the police later releasing some footage obtained.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://komonews.com/news/local/undercover-cop-video-shows-barista-stripping-at-coffee-stand-11-21-2015 |title=Undercover cop video shows barista stripping at coffee stand |date=25 August 2011 |publisher=KOMO News |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Rikki |title=Judge temporarily blocks Everett's bikini-barista dress code |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-temporarily-blocks-everetts-bikini-barista-dress-code/ |access-date=22 October 2022 |work=The Everett Herald |date=4 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carter |first1=Mike |title=Judge: Everett's bikini baristas don't have to cover up – at least for now |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/judge-allows-everetts-bikini-barista-stands-to-continue-to-operate/ |access-date=22 October 2022 |work=The Seattle Times |date=4 December 2017}}</ref> In March 2018, the city filed an appeal with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and requested the injunction be lifted.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/city-of-everett-files-federal-court-appeal-over-bikini-barista-case/ |title=Rule clear about bikini baristas' exposure, Everett argues |date=2 April 2018 |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> The City of Everett was granted that appeal in July 2019; the case was referred back to the U.S. District Court,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/city-of-everett-wins-latest-round-in-bikini-barista-case/|title=City of Everett wins in bikini barista federal court case|last=Davey|first=Stephanie|date=3 July 2019|work=The Everett Herald|language=en-US|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clarridge |first1=Christine |title=Everett, Washington's bikini barista dress code ruled unconstitutional |url=https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/10/21/court-baristas-bikinis-everett-washington |access-date=22 October 2022 |work=Axios Seattle |date=21 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Skimpy latte: victory for bikini baristas as federal court rejects city's dress code |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/29/skimpy-latte-victory-for-bikini-baristas-as-federal-court-rejects-citys-dress-code |work=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |date=October 29, 2022 |access-date=October 29, 2022}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.king5.com/archive/60433417.html |title=Belfair cracks down on sexpresso stands &#124; KING5.com Seattle |publisher=King5.com |date=2008-08-04 |access-date=2013-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203020334/http://www.king5.com/archive/60433417.html |archive-date=2014-02-03 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/video-one-county-says-no-bikini-baristas-another/vCfZk/ |title=VIDEO: One County Says No Bikini Baristas, Another Says OK |publisher=KiroTV |date=2013-07-24 |access-date=2013-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201246/http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/video-one-county-says-no-bikini-baristas-another/vCfZk/ |archive-date=2014-02-01 }}</ref> "Espresso Gone Wild" in Belfair, Washington, was prohibited from allowing employees to wear pasties and their baristas now wear bikinis.<ref name="npr1"/> Residents in another community have surveilled a local stand and called for boycotts of companies whose employees patronize the establishments.<ref name="bigbro">{{cite news | url= http://www.kirotv.com/news/21599815/detail.html | title= Tattler Web Site Outs Workers Seen Visiting Bare Baristas | work= KIRO-TV | date= November 12, 2009 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100119015557/http://www.kirotv.com/news/21599815/detail.html | archive-date= 2010-01-19 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

=== In Yakima, Washington === In Yakima, Washington, a bikini bar owner was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $1,000<ref name="Coffee Shop Owner Guilty of Indecent Exposure Due to Skimpy See-Through Shorts on 'Bikini Barista'">{{cite web | url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/coffee_shop_owner_guilty_of_indecent_explosure_due_to_skimpy/ | title=Coffee Shop Owner Guilty of Indecent Exposure Due to Skimpy See-Through Shorts on 'Bikini Barista' | publisher=American Bar Association | date=7 February 2011 | access-date=31 January 2014 | author=Neil, Martha}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Do coffee baristas serve up too much while wearing too little? Cities enact new laws, conduct raids">{{cite web | url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/some_like_it_hot_proclaims_racy_coffee_kiosk_but_some_area_residents_do_not/ | title=Do coffee baristas serve up too much while wearing too little? Cities enact new laws, conduct raids | publisher=American Bar Association | date=28 January 2014 | access-date=31 January 2014 | author=Neil, Martha}}</ref> The barista was charged but acquitted by the jury in the indecent exposure case.<ref name="Coffee Shop Owner Guilty of Indecent Exposure Due to Skimpy See-Through Shorts on 'Bikini Barista'"/>

== Growth outside Seattle area == right|thumb|A bikini barista coffee kiosk in Hillsboro, Oregon

Some entrepreneurs have opened bikini barista stores with success outside the Seattle area, including in Raleigh, North Carolina,<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/01/06/2587071/shaffer-coffee-with-a-sexy-smile.html | author= Josh Shaffer | date= January 6, 2013 | access-date= January 8, 2013 | title= Shaffer: Coffee with a sexy smile at Cup O Jane | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130108215622/http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/01/06/2587071/shaffer-coffee-with-a-sexy-smile.html | archive-date= January 8, 2013 }}</ref> Aurora, Colorado,<ref name="aurora1">{{cite news | url= https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXvEgHI0wtM8mgYkNOgWamA4CE1AD9G5GQ5G0 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100609135710/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXvEgHI0wtM8mgYkNOgWamA4CE1AD9G5GQ5G0 | url-status= dead | archive-date= June 9, 2010 | title= Bikini coffee shop sparks boycott in Colo. | agency=Associated Press | date= June 6, 2010 | access-date=June 10, 2010}}(describing boycott called for "Perky Cups" in Aurora, Colorado)</ref> Portland, Oregon,<ref name="portland1">{{cite news | url= http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1214358965169540.xml&coll=7 | title= Bikini Coffee tries Portland on for size | author= Helen Jung | work= The Oregonian | date= June 25, 2008 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | archive-date= June 8, 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110608195112/http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1214358965169540.xml&coll=7 | url-status= dead }}</ref> Youngstown, Ohio,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jul/14/boardman-take-break-oking-vendors/ |title=Youngstown News, Boardman to take a break from OK'ing vendors |publisher=Vindy.com |date=2012-07-14 |access-date=2013-07-29 |archive-date=2014-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418222015/http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jul/14/boardman-take-break-oking-vendors/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tampa, Florida,<ref name="tampa">{{cite news | url= http://carrollwood2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/26/cw-babes-in-the-hood/ | title= Babes In The 'Hood | author= Harold Valentine | work= The Tampa Tribune | date= March 26, 2008 | access-date= March 9, 2010 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081102221859/http://carrollwood2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/26/cw-babes-in-the-hood/ | archive-date= November 2, 2008 }}</ref> Pasadena, Maryland,<ref>{{cite news | url= http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/midnight_sun/blog/2010/08/java_divas_has_bikini_baristas.html | title= Java Divas has baristas in bikinis (and other outfits) | author= Sam Sessa | work= The Baltimore Sun | date= August 2, 2010 | access-date= August 2, 2010 | archive-date= August 5, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100805231516/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/midnight_sun/blog/2010/08/java_divas_has_bikini_baristas.html | url-status= dead }}</ref> Chatsworth, Georgia,<ref name="georgia">{{cite news | url= http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1048545895/Bikini-themed-coffee-shop-opens-in-Chatsworth | title= Bikini-themed coffee shop opens in Chatsworth | author= Mark Millican | work=The Daily Citizen (Dalton) | date= July 14, 2009 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Las Vegas,<ref name="vegas1">{{cite news | url= http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/strange/news-article.aspx?storyid=95299 | title= Sexpresso: Coffee with a Sexy Twist | author= Gary Dettman | work=KVBC-DT | date= November 18, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="vegas2">{{cite news | url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-11331034.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121103064641/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-11331034.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= November 3, 2012 | title= Some like it hottie at new Vegas coffee shop | work=Chicago Sun-Times | date= November 27, 2007 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Texas, and Missouri.<ref name="texas1">{{cite news | url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/coffee-86703-girls-java.html | title=Barista Beauties: Coffee shop to feature sexy servers | work=The Brownsville Herald | date=May 18, 2008 | access-date=March 10, 2010 | archive-date=July 25, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725194625/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/coffee-86703-girls-java.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="mizzou1">{{cite news | url= http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11EADF26DBB016C8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | title= Hot coffee shop is far cooler than its racy reputation | author= Susan Weich | work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch | date= May 18, 2008 | access-date=March 10, 2010}}</ref> A company called "Baristas" has been dubbed the Hooters of coffee due to its size and popularity in the market.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hooters of coffee coming to Cape Coral |work=News-Press |publisher=FLNewsFeed |date=2013-06-21 |url=http://www.news-press.com/article/20130621/BUSINESS/306210024/Hooters-of-coffee-coming-to-Cape-Coral?nclick_check=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125438/http://www.flnewsfeed.com/cape-coral/hooters-of-coffee-coming-to-cape-coral/ |archive-date=2013-11-02 |access-date=2014-05-09}}</ref> 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.<ref name="torrance">{{cite news | url= http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/weird/Bikini-Clad-Baristas-69327182.html | title= Bye Bye, Bikini Baristas | author= Jenna Briand | work=KNBC | date= November 5, 2009 | access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref>

One chain in particular called "Bottoms Up Espresso",<ref name="kcra">{{cite news | url= http://www.kcra.com/Skin-Is-In-At-Modesto-Coffee-Shops/-/11798090/12656746/-/15r356t/-/index.html | title= Skin Is In At Modesto Coffee Shops | author= Staff | publisher= KCRA Channel 3 | date= Jul 29, 2011 | access-date= October 10, 2013 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203051138/http://www.kcra.com/Skin-Is-In-At-Modesto-Coffee-Shops/-/11798090/12656746/-/15r356t/-/index.html | archive-date= December 3, 2013 }}</ref> who have expanded into multiple Northern California markets including locations in Modesto,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.modbee.com/2011/08/03/1801988/bikini-clad-baristas-in-modesto.html |title=Local and Breaking News from The Modesto Bee in Modesto, California |publisher=ModBee.com |access-date=2014-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222323/http://www.modbee.com/2011/08/03/1801988/bikini-clad-baristas-in-modesto.html |archive-date=2013-12-02 }}</ref> Tracy, Clovis, Bakersfield, and Vernalis has quickly become a favorite among social media users with their baristas featured regularly on the website The Chive<ref name="chive">{{cite news | url= http://thechive.com/2013/10/03/so-you-pull-up-to-the-drive-thru-at-bottoms-up-espresso-and-then-amber-18-photos/ | archive-url= 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/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= October 11, 2013 | title= So you pull up to the drive thru at Bottoms Up Espresso and then Amber | author= John | work=The Chive | date= October 3, 2011 | access-date=October 10, 2013}}</ref> 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.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

[[File:Pink Pantherz Expresso (Fremont, California).jpg|thumb|A Pink Pantherz kiosk in Fremont, California]]

Two bikini barista businesses opened in northwest Fresno, California, Java Girls Espresso and Pink Pantherz Espresso, {{circa}} mid 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Clough|first1=Bethany|title=Bikini baristas now serving coffee in Fresno shops|url=http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/06/17/3982634/bikini-baristas-have-come-to-fresno.html|access-date=June 17, 2014|work=The Fresno Bee|date=June 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621232845/http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/06/17/3982634/bikini-baristas-have-come-to-fresno.html|archive-date=June 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Reported incidents== *On May 26, 2017, a 29-year-old repeat sex offender was arrested for indecent exposure after he masturbated in front of a bikini barista around 5 a.m. at Sweet Cheeks Espresso's 5005 Auburn Way North stand in Auburn, Washington.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burton |first1=Jynsi |title=Charge:Repeat offender caught pleasuring self at bikini barista stand |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/charge-repeat-offender-caught-pleasuring-self-at-bikini-barista-stand |access-date=29 May 2020 |agency=Komonews |publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group |date=7 June 2017}}</ref> *An ex-convict, Michael Reynolds, attempted to rape a bikini barista, Madeline Guinto, one night on February 20, 2018, at Hottie Shots Espresso's 84th Avenue South stand in Kent, Washington. The would-be rapist fled after a car pulled into the drive-thru and he was arrested from his workplace the next day after he was identified by his employer from the espresso's surveillance footage on the news.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salo |first1=Jackie |title=Bikini barista: How I escaped an attempted rape at knifepoint |url=https://nypost.com/2018/02/22/bikini-barista-how-i-escaped-an-attempted-rape-at-knife-point/ |website=New York Post |publisher=NYP HOLDINGS, INC. |access-date=29 May 2020 |date=22 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kent police make arrest in attempted rape at bikini barista stand |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/kent-police-respond-to-assault-and-attempted-rape-at-bikini-barista-stand/703881374/ |website=Kiro 7 |publisher=Cox Media Group |access-date=29 May 2020 |date=21 February 2018}}</ref> *On August 26, 2019, an armed robbery occurred at Foxy Lady Latte, a bikini barista coffee stand in Mount Vernon, Washington, located at 2626 Henson Road, before 7 p.m.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bikini barista coffee stand robbed in Mount Vernon |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/bikini-barista-coffee-stand-robbed-in-mount-vernon/980225912/?outputType=amp |access-date=12 July 2020 |agency=KIRO 7 |publisher=Cox Media Group |date=28 August 2019}}</ref> * On September 13, 2020, in Pasco, Washington, a repeating lewd offender was arrested for indecent exposure by displaying his genitals and masturbating outside the drive-thru window of Hot Beans Espresso on West Sylvester Street and North 26th Avenue, in the presence of outraged bikini baristas and customers nearby. It is reported that the offender was mentally ill.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mann |first1=David |title=Pasco man arrested for 'pleasuring himself' outside bikini barista drive-thru window, police say |url=https://www.yaktrinews.com/pasco-man-arrested-for-pleasuring-himself-outside-bikini-barista-drive-thru-window-police-say/ |website=YAKTRINEWS |publisher=Morgan Murphy Media |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=September 15, 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101044/https://www.yaktrinews.com/pasco-man-arrested-for-pleasuring-himself-outside-bikini-barista-drive-thru-window-police-say/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagen |first1=Madeleine |title=Repeat lewd offender remains in Franklin County Jail |url=https://www.yaktrinews.com/repeat-lewd-offender-remains-in-franklin-county-jail/ |website=YAKTRINEWS |publisher=Morgan Murphy Media |access-date=22 September 2020 |date=September 18, 2020}}</ref> * On January 16, 2023, in Auburn, Washington, a patron attempted to kidnap a barista at Beankini Espresso.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jankowicz |first1=Mia |title=Bikini Barista Describes the Moment a Would-Be Kidnapper Tried to Drag Her Through a Drive-Thru Window |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/bikini-barista-describes-terrifying-kidnap-attempt/443224 |access-date=5 February 2023 |agency=Entrepreneur |publisher=Entrepreneur Media, Inc |date=January 18, 2023}}</ref> * On January 8, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona, a patron took off his pants in the drive-thru of Bikini Beans Coffee. Two days later, he committed suicide after video of it went viral online.<ref name=Elibert>{{cite web|last=Elibert|first=Mark|url=https://www.complex.com/life/a/markelibert/man-pants-down-coffee-shop-drive-thru-viral-video-dies-suicide|title=Arizona Man Dies by Suicide After Backlash to Video of Him With Pants Down at Café Drive-Thru|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Networks|date=January 18, 2025|accessdate=January 19, 2025}}</ref>

== Outside the United States == *Laura Maggi, a woman in her mid 30s, became a national celebrity in Italy in 2012 as a result of starting a habit of coming to work in revealing attire at the coffee bar called Le Cafe that she owns and operates in the small Italian town of Bagnolo Mella. She continues to generate local controversy serving "sexpresso" as she wears a variety of revealing outfits when serving customers. She also has female assistants who do the same, and sells glamour calendars of herself in addition to the coffee. Maggi has been the subject of photo-illustrated articles in popular tabloids.<ref name="Oggi">{{cite news | url= https://www.oggi.it/gossip/gossip/2014/02/28/laura-maggi-business-a-gogo-le-foto-sexy-pure/#anchor-comments | title= Laura Maggi, business a gogò. Le foto sexy pure | author= none | work=Oggi | date= 28 February 2014 | access-date= August 25, 2015}}</ref> *A phenomenon similar to bikini baristas is very popular in Chile, known as "café con piernas" (literally, coffee with legs) and existed long before their Seattle counterpart.<ref name="npr2"/><ref name="santtimes"/><ref name="sfchron"/> *In Taiwan, young women who sell betel nuts and cigarettes from brightly lit glass enclosures while wearing revealing clothing are called betel nut beauties. They debuted in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/03/12/2003351976 |last=Huang |first=Wan-tran |title=Why Pick on Betel-nut Beauties? |work=Taipei Times |date=12 March 2007 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> *In Japan, "girls bars" employ female staff dressed in bikinis and sarongs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yokohama Bikini Bar Promises Summer, Bleached Blonde Hair All Year Round|url=https://soranews24.com/2013/03/22/yokohama-bikini-bar-promises-summer-bleached-blonde-hair-all-year-round/|first=Philip|last=Kendall|date=22 March 2013|website=Sora News 24}}</ref> "No-pan kissa" ({{lit|no-panty coffee shops}}) appeared in the 1980s, with waitresses wearing short skirts and no panties. Typical of Japanese sex-fads, they did not last more than a few years before they transformed into other (but similar) businesses. *In Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, gold lycra bikini-clad meter maids stroll up and down the beach feeding coins into parking meters so that beach-goers do not get parking tickets. Though feeding meters is illegal in Surfers Paradise, local law enforcement is encouraged to look the other way, as the meter maids not only keep tourists happy, but they have also become a tourist attraction themselves.<ref name=clock>{{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Kathy|title=Clock is ticking for Australia's bikini-clad Meter Maids|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/clock-is-ticking-for-australias-bikiniclad-meter-maids-1972212.html|access-date=2015-04-27|work=The Independent (UK)|date=2010-05-13}}</ref>

==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.<ref>{{citation|title=Are bikini baristas sex workers? Are you? |author=Lisa Wade, PhD|author-link=Lisa Wade |date=August 18, 2015|website=Sociological Images|url=https://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2015/08/18/are-bikini-baristas-sex-workers-are-you/}}</ref> The question has also been the subject of an essay published in ''The Atlantic''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Just Because I Work Here Doesn't Mean I Don't Respect Myself|magazine=The Atlantic|date=7 April 2015|author=Leah Sottile |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/04/just-because-i-work-here-doesnt-mean-i-dont-respect-myself/389760/}}</ref>

== See also == {{portal|Coffee}} * Breastaurant * Hooters * Mizu shōbai

== References == {{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading== {{commons}} *{{citation|publisher=KUOW-FM|location=Seattle|title=Are bikini baristas a Pacific Northwest phenomenon?|author=Anna BOIKO-WEYRAUCH|date=July 27, 2017|url=https://kuow.org/post/are-bikini-baristas-pacific-northwest-phenomenon}} *{{cite web|website=Thrillist|title= Bikini Baristas Have Taken Over the Pacific Northwest|author=Deborah Kennedy|date= March 25, 2016|url= https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/bikini-baristas-have-taken-over-the-pacific-northwest}}

Category:Baristas Category:Bikinis Category:Coffee culture Category:Coffee in Seattle Category:Culture of Seattle Category:Sexualization Category:Tourist attractions in Snohomish County, Washington Category:Gendered occupations