Times are tough but innovation by one entrepreneur helped him find a niche for his new business. Taking the Bikini Barista concept to the next logical step, he's putting smiles on a lot of people's faces with his controversial business model.

Last Monday (Feb 23, 2009), Donald Crabtree opened Grand View Topless Coffee Shop in Vassalboro, Maine (population 4,500), where five waiters and ten waitresses serve their customers topless. Many of these were people who had recently lost their jobs and were glad to have been hired from the more than 150 applicants.

So far the place is hugely popular and business is booming. Employees are doing well too - one waitress received a $100 tip for a cup of coffee, and most of the wait staff average $30 a table. And despite what you might expect, the customers tend to be couples and women.

For further info...

Topless Coffee Shop a Hit in Small Maine Town
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/27/topless.coffee.shop/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Topless Coffee Shop Drew 150 Applicants For 10 Positions
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/the-inside-job/2009/02/25/topless-coffee-shop-drew-150-applicants-for-10-positions.html

Topless Coffeehouse (Video) In Vassalboro, Maine
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/strange/article_212211304.shtml

And here's what the competition is up to...

Java Girls - Seattle
http://www.javagirls.net/

Bikini Coffee Company - Portland, OR
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_062308_news_bikini_baristas_portland.3156873d.html

Cowgirls Espresso
http://www.cowgirlsespresso.com/main.php
Military Mondays, Cowgirls Tuesday, and Bikini Wednesday

What goes better with a hot cup of latte? It's skin at Coffee Nation, a small town coffee shop located in Salem, OR, where the baristas serve hot lattes in bikinis. According to Adam Marshall, founder of Coffee Nation, plans are on the table to expand into other areas through franchising.

http://www.aboutcoffee.net/2007/12/hooters-of-coffee-shops.html

Coffee Nation was almost put out of business due to construction interruptions. The creative co-founders tapped into the great American ingenuity reservoir and pulled out the stops, creating an attraction that is not only going interstate, but is offering franchises.

I noticed an interesting thread over in deutsche_kultur on the topic of finding good coffee in Germany. Thought you guys might be interested in reading the comments!

Espresso with a little sizzle

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - Coffee-stand owner John Cambroto couldn't compete against the beautiful bikini-clad women selling espresso up the road.

"We had a much better atmosphere, good coffee," Cambroto said. "Unfortunately, they ran around half-naked and we didn't." He finally threw in the towel last spring and sold his business to his rival, the operator of six Cowgirls Espresso stands in the Seattle suburbs.

Cowgirls Espresso's provocative baristas represent a new trend in and around Seattle, and illustrate how cutthroat the competition can be in the hometown of Starbucks.

Among the other coffee stands that are showing some skin: Moka Girls in Auburn, The Sweet Spot Cafe in Shoreline, Bikini Espresso in Renton and Natte Latte in Port Orchard.

Lori Bowden, the owner of Cowgirls Espresso, opened her first stand, by the entrance to the Silver Dollar Casino, four years ago. Candice Law, a scantily dressed barista, and other employees suggested doing "Bikini Wednesdays." Bowden approved, and her stand immediately doubled the amount of money it was taking in -- from $200 to $400 -- on Wednesdays.

"Fantasy Fridays," "School Girl Thursdays," "Cowgirl Tuesdays" and "Military Mondays" soon followed. The stand now rakes in about $800 a day, Bowden said. The girls make minimum wage, plus $80 to $150 a day in tips.

"Most guys like to see pretty girls when they get their mochas," said Sarah Araujo, who opened The Sweet Spot two years ago. "We just figured we'd be honest about it."

-- The Associated Press

I recently visited the new It's a Grind coffee shop in Louisville Kentucky. For a chain, it's not too bad. The employees were friendly and after nearly a week and only three visits, they have remembered my name. I like to think of coffee shops as a home away from home, so that's nice.

The coffee is good from what I've had. I haven't had any of the espresso beverages yet, but I plan on doing that soon. Though it's not an independent, this shop retains some of the most important nuances of an independent. I wish them luck, and if you have one near you, pay them a visit!

Wondering how many Starbucks or Tim Hortons are in a particular city? Check out http://www.findbyclick.com for some craziness...

Just wanted to pass this along for any locals who might be interested! I received this in email a bit ago:

I am the Web Master for the Witches Brew Cafe in Auburn NY. Someone set us your site and we were wondering if you'd be able to add us to your page.

The Witches Brew

The shop is a pagan run cafe. We have many different herbs can be purchased for teas and or spell crafting. There are also an assortment of lotions made by Nancy (one of the owners).....try the love spell hand lotion and you won’t be able to leave without it! We also are proud to support the gay community. We provide bumper stickers, buttons and braclets with the rainbow colors of support. All proceeds go to the Auburn Pride Celebration, put on by the Unitarian Church. We have many new and used books for sale, so come in and browse and who knows maybe a certain one will be calling your name.

Of course we can't forget our wonderful coffees. We have both seasonal and regular coffee. Our favorite is The Witches Brew, which is more of a robust blend sure enough to get you flying, (on a broom if you will). Also the Kitchen Witch is always working hard backing sweets to make your mouth water. We also provide a wonderful lunch menu with paninis, sandwiches, salads and soups. As we always say, "Come on down to the Witches Brew and sit for a 'spell'!"

I have received horrible news. I have lost a friend, not a person exactly, but in a way. I know that my words may raise a few eyebrows and certainly ruffle feathers, but I ask for your sympathy and understanding. If you care to read, the entry is this way.

Please bear in mind, I do have my opinions. These opinions may differ from a lot of people, but I have solid reasons for them. If you wish to be respected, you must be respectful. Thank you.

Remember this contest?

I've taken all the entries, and put them up on their own special page at CocoaJava.com.

I'm in the process of contacting some of the entrants, so that I can give them a music CD! Thank you all for sharing!