Business Opportunities Weblog

May 28, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 1 Comment

HeraldNet:

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.

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!”

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Tags: Competition, Food, Sales