In an area where good coffee is ubiquitous, how does one business stand apart from another? A diverse selection of low-fat bran muffins? Not for me. Free Norah Jones CD samplers? Nope. Sheer, baby-doll negligees with thigh-high boots? Sold.According to The Seattle Times, along the cluttered roadsides of Seattle's commuter towns, drive-through espresso bars are going to creative lengths to attract business, well, male business at least. These caffeinated joints feature "bodacious" baristas offering not just double macchiatos with almond biscotti, but "flirty service and revealing outfits" (including lingerie and "fetish" ensembles) at establishments with names such as Moka Girls, Bikini Espresso and Natté Latté.
While drive-throughs have long been part of Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX)'s business, many independent espresso stands popped up after the state's smoking ban went into effect a year ago. Says Lori Bowden, owner of Tukwila, Washington's Cowgirls Espresso stand, owners of bars, casinos and convenience-stores at that time began renting parking lot spots to espresso stands. And while the debate rages over who started the whole Red Light District element, no one argues that the Git-R-Done nation -- who might never have entered a Starbucks -- are now frequenting their establishments many times a day.
Offended local businesses have set up surveillance but no laws have been broken, as private parts -- including buttocks -- are always covered. Says Bowden, in spite of customer requests "there will be no 'Thong Thursdays.'"
B. Brandon Barker is the author of Operation EMU
GM Kills $10 Million Facebook Ad Campaign Because It Didn't Work
JCPenney's Ron Johnson: 'Customers Don't Get Our Pricing Strategy'


Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)
1-25-2007 @ 1:20PM
Rebecca said...
That's just disgusting! Why does everything have to be about sex?? Why should they have to exploit young women like that just to get business. The only reason these men are going to these places is to see the women, not the quality of the coffee.
1-27-2007 @ 2:16PM
Bob said...
That is exactly why the men are going there Rebecca, or should I say captain obvious. It seems to me the female employees like the attention and or the money. Nobody said you have to go there, so don't.
P.S. get over it.
1-27-2007 @ 2:21PM
Michael said...
You are just a jealous fat slobbo! These women are not being exploited ! If anything, men are being exploited because they are being seduced. Everything is about sex; war, politics, econimics, business, etc... is all about sex and you must be sexually uptight if you don't enjoy it all.
1-27-2007 @ 2:26PM
jp said...
These men? No sexism there. I'll bet just as many women are going as men. Not unlike the local strip joints that are nowadays often frequented by women with a curious side.
1-27-2007 @ 5:08PM
CJ said...
Get over it, sex sells. It is a fact. If you do not agree with it don't go there. The women are clothed (albeit scantily) they have came up with a new market, they are going to make a million dollars, it's the way the world is turning. Speaking of as the world turns, I bet you watch those stupid desperate housewives BS shows, I bet you aren't complaining about stupid topless boys mowing lawns? Get over yourself these young women are making great tips I am sure they are not exploited unless your using the term in the definition: To employ to the greatest possible advantage. These girls are the kind of girls who probably get dressed up similar to the way they are dressed in these coffee shacks on Friday and Saturday nights for free and shake it at the local bar or dance club, these are obviously not conservative Nancy's. I can't stand this "oh poor girls, they are soooo exploited, we have enslaved them to a life of being boobs and butts." By the way what is that useless part of the male anatomy called starting at the base of the penis? The man!
1-27-2007 @ 2:38PM
Tami Brooks said...
This idea of scantily clad baristas may be new but independent drive- thru espresso stands have been around for years! I could not care less what the person making my coffee is wearing as long as they make good coffee, but all other things being equal I would probably stop to get my coffee where I found the baristas the most appealing. This may be a ploy to get new customers but as for "exploiting" young women - forget it. If you apply for a job at a place called "Natte' Latte'" you know what you are getting into.
1-29-2007 @ 2:08PM
Lisa said...
Bob, your a bit harsh. I don't believe this world needs any more establishments that gives men a feast for their eyes. Do you have a wife or girlfriend? If so I feel sorry for her. Maybe you have a daughter ( If anyone was dumb enough to carry your seed) I hope she will work in a place that she can sell herself to any pervert.
1-27-2007 @ 2:46PM
Lisa said...
Who said anyone had to be a jealous fat slob to be fed up with this trend? It's pretty obvious that women are on the meat market more than men. It's old to women and others will agree with me on that. I'm not jealous, or fat. I'm pretty hot in fact. I'm just sick of guys thinking with there penis 24 hours a day. But it's OK because your all guys right? I'ts nice to have so many idiots that only care about what they see to get them off. Find something better to do with your time.
1-27-2007 @ 2:44PM
Lisa said...
I don't feel sorry for these women, there idiots just like the men.
1-27-2007 @ 3:01PM
Justin said...
haha, lisa your a slob. Go complain to your lifepartner Girlfriend about the big bad idiot man objectifying women! dont act all moral and intelligent. I can spot your jealousy from a mile away!
1-27-2007 @ 3:08PM
Just some Guy said...
Oh, who cares?
So a woman is doing something that doesn't bother her and the guys...and some girls...are having a good look, and enjoying their coffee that much more. Call out the National Guard!! No offense, but you prudish women don't seem to realize that the women that do partake of these actions, actually enjoy doing so. It is fun for them.
Just be and let be. Nobody wants you to thrust your morals on them, just as I am sure you would rather I not thrust my morals on you (No pun intended :-) ) That's it. ... Me
1-27-2007 @ 3:09PM
Paul said...
Trend??? "Trends" usually don't last a couple thousand years. Welcome to Earth, Lisa. I know some of our customs and habits may seem a bit strange, but in time, you'll get used to'em.
1-27-2007 @ 3:23PM
Jackie said...
I'm glad there are people like Lisa in this world. While these girls working there are looking to make money, it doesn't excuse the pathetic way these establishments are trying to make money. A man has no place in the debate over female exploitation, for he is the one is benefitting from it and clearly will never complain. I feel sorry for the few guys out there who actually are kind and think with more than just their penis. If it was your daughter, I'm willing to bet you wouldn't be too happy with her showing her ass to coffee customers. Michael, you take the award for idiot of the day. Are you serious, men are exploited because they're being seduced? So are you saying that you're so mentally challenged that you're incapable of using the three brain cells you have in that pea brain of yours? Give it a rest, you are a pig who enjoys women acting like helpless sex dolls. And when men are scantily clad, they aren't treated like a piece of meat. And when we start to see men being exploited AS MUCH as women have been for last several centuries, then you can complain. Why aren't men encouraged to have perfect bodies, strip at a moment's notice, and shake their booty?
1-27-2007 @ 3:28PM
rob said...
I agree with the comments made by other men. All forms of work are forms of exsploitation. The woman who are doing this are doing so by choice. It sounds like it works for them financialy. Further more weather woman realize it or not the hotter they are the farther they get in all forms of employment. To end this blog I would like to say if woman looked at men as sex objects like we look at them I would love to be exploited and taken advantage of for personal financial gain, hey it beats workking for a living.
1-27-2007 @ 3:33PM
Richard Mountz said...
When are these joints coming to Calif.
I cant wait.
1-27-2007 @ 3:50PM
Stacy said...
The women doing this are obviously unaware of what exploitation even means. So clearly they don't think anything of their jobs. But that doesn't excuse a society that takes advantage of them. I don't see men out there wearing revealing clothing trying to sell coffee. Men have no right to say there is no exploitation because they AREN'T THE ONES BEING EXPLOITED! It's so easy to say this is "no big deal" when you are a man enjoying the visual feast of female meat, obviously you aren't going to complain. If it's no big deal, why not join these cafes and expose your ass to the female customers. You only view these girls as a piece of ass, so maybe you should see what that feels like being on their end.
1-27-2007 @ 3:37PM
Fred said...
These women have to accept some responsibility for their actions. They are choosing this.
1-27-2007 @ 3:37PM
T said...
Those girls are not being exploited!!! If they want to do it, fine. Nobody forced them to work there!!! Duh, men are going for the women and not the coffee--big revelation there!! Who really cares what they are going for. Money is changing hands--it is called capitalism. It is what made our country great. p.s. I am a woman, not a man "thinking with my penis".
1-27-2007 @ 4:02PM
The Glazed One said...
Hehe just think about business strategy. Leave all morals and ethics at the door. All of the greatest corporations have done this, and look where they are. What ever your preverence. Straight, Gay, Bi. Tri?? Or set of gear. One thing is certain. We all like money. As corrupt and evil as it sounds. Everyone has a price. And I want to work there. I am a pretty man hehe.
1-27-2007 @ 3:40PM
another girl said...
You nailed it, Just some Guy. I think we have more important things to concern ourselves with. Since the beginning; men have always enjoyed looking at women and in turn, the majority like the attention.
Look what sells in the market today. Old news from planet earth. If someone finds it offensive, don't participate.
Let's save the passion for real issues.