Document text
http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Featured Galleries: May 14, 2007 Bikini-clad baristas double shop profits SALEM — Adam Marshall and Steven Rotan knew they would have a challenge when they opened their drive-through Coffee Nation in January. The state was requiring them to install a median that would block left-turn access to their shop. But the brothers had a plan. Employees would wear bikinis. "It's really worked," said Marshall, 28. "Our profits are going up every day." It will continue through summer as part of the business's promotional package for the suncare company Hawaiian Tropic. "Bikini Days" — which include a man-made beach and lounge chairs out front — is just one of many attempts to lure customers. "We wanted to do something fun and different," said Rotan, 33. "It's creative and something new for people to look at." This summer, Florida-based Hawaiian Tropic is paying Marshall and Rotan to promote the company. A Hawaiian Tropic banner, coffee sleeves bearing the company's name and free sample products all are on the way. The bikini tops follow a trend that's become popular at drive-through espresso stands in Seattle. Baristas Toni Morgan, left, and Candice Law talk to coffee customer Phil Sheridan as they work at the “Cowgirls Espresso” drive-through in Tukwila, Wash. A company in Salem, Coffee Nation, is employing the same tactic and has doubled its sales and baristas claim they make three times the tips. MORE PHOTOS AP photo "I love it," said Carmel Rotan, 22, who wore a pink and brown bikini top with brown shorts as she served coffee, smoothies and other drinks. "It makes for a fun atmosphere. The customers really like it." Sales have doubled to about $1,000 a day. Carmel Rotan, married to Steven, says she can get $80 a day in tips, triple what she used to make. The owners say there have been no complains yet, even from female customers. "Everyone's been pretty great about it," said employee Ashley Martz, 20, wearing a black bikini with a white short skirt. Marshall and Rotan, who plan more shops this fall, hope other companies will want them to do promotional work. They've already done work for Verizon and Bi-Mart. For now, the six female employees will stick to bikini tops. That doesn't bother regular customer Mike Webber of Dallas one bit. "It's entertaining," he said as he drove off with a latte and a smile. Current Comments: too bad those girls are so ugly or i would get my coffee there doglover - ashland - May 14th, 1:31 PM Make mine a double. aroooooooo - ashland, OR - May 14th, 7:07 PM SO degrading, is this what society has come to? I guess it is. They look like hookers!!! They will only attract perverted old men! Degenerates!! Chuck - California - May 14th, 8:43 PM Uh.. no thanks I'll get my coffee elsewhere. Tell me something are the guys that work there going to stuff their pants with socks too? How cheezy and low can they go? Not too low or they may fall out. C - Ashland - May 14th, 10:37 PM Pathetic! Elizabeth - Ashland, OR - May 15th, 8:11 AM HEY!! I'll take five of those, with nothing on 'em! EC - AZ - May 15th, 11:14 AM Haven't you heard? Sex is OK! (Puritanism: the fear that someone, somewhere is having a good time!) aroooooooo - asland, OR - May 15th, 4:24 PM Ah.. yeah sex is great. But you know what if a coffee company can't sell coffee on the merit of the quality of their product and they have to resort to tactics like that it's a red flag for me. You call having some chic hanging her boobs out the window while your picking up a cup of coffee a good time? Wow it sounds like you don't get out much sorry. C - Ashland - May 15th, 11:55 PM No, my idea of a good time is mocking the Ladies of Leisure, Stalinesque Solidarity Sisters and PC Girly Men Profarasites who think they speak for all of Ashland. My idea of a GREAT time is flirting with (name withheld) at the Hottie Box every morning. "How about something hot and sweet today, dahlin'." aroooooooo - assland, or - May 17th, 8:06 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising: Debt Help Inkjet Printers Payday Loans Free Ringtones Debt Consolidation Security Systems Debt Relief New Hampshire Primary Advertisement: Copyright © 2007 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Del.icio.us