Bikini Themed Coffee Shop Opens With A 'Splash'

The objectifying of women continues unabated, even deep in a self-professed "conservative, Bible Belt town in the South" where a young enterpreneur's idea of opening up a bikini-themed coffee shop seems to be a big hit, even with his staff.

At the beginning of July, Josh MacLean opened up the Bikini Beani Coffee and Drink Hut in Chatsworth, Georgia. Female barista's wearing a company uniform that consists of bikini, serve up iced coffees, lemonades and bikini sodas on a to-go basis. Oh, and they also have a "bikini" car wash. MacLean currently employs five female barista's and a maintenance man and he has plans to spend $15,000 by upgrading the landscaping around the Drink Hut to make the property look like a beach. MacLean also would like to add a miniature golf course and buy the property next door to the shop to install a go-cart track. This coming Saturday, there is a "classic car cruise-in" scheduled from 5 until 9 pm, where classic car owners who participate in the "cruise-in" will receive their drinks at half price. MacLean told The Daily Citizen:

People may think it’s edgy and risqué, but nothing’s going on here that shouldn’t be. We’re not breaking any laws, and we’re in compliance with all the city ordinances. I checked it out. It’s a niche business, (and) this is actually real, real big out west. It’s the only niche competing with Starbucks and the other chains around the Seattle area.

MacLean also says he's been approached by eight people about franchising opportunities and says he is discussing the details with his lawyers. Cassandra Shoemaker, a barista who, when interviewed by The Daily Citizen, had dollar bill tips "stuffed into her bikini top", was waving a homemade sign on the porch of the shop. Shoemaker said she was up on the porch because it was "too hot out on the sidewalk" and if anyone pulled in, she would have to come back in to fill their order anyway.

I love working here. The environment’s good, my co-workers are great and the drinks are amazing.

Shoemaker also said that no one has harassed her because of work "uniform."