Bare Baristas Under Fire By Community Group

A new espresso stand that features bikini-clad baristas is under fire in a Bellevue neighborhood because of its location.

A community group said Knotty Bodies espresso stand at Northeast Eighth and 164th streets is too close to Crossroads Park, a location frequented by families.

The business, which opened on Saturday, is 50 yards from the park and very visible from the street.

Within 24 hours of the opening, KIRO 7 received e-mails from upset residents. Those residents plan to protest the espresso stand at the Bellevue City Council meeting Monday night.

According to one e-mail, the residents will bring up several issues to try to shut the business down, such as code violations, adult entertainment restrictions, and secondary crimes they say accompany adult entertainment businesses.

Barista Lisa Caughron said she understands some people are upset and they're entitled to their opinion.

"If it's something you don't approve of, there are many other coffee stands," said Caughron.

The barista said what they wear isn't any worse than what people would see at a beach or in a Victoria's Secret ad in a local mall.

Caughron said one of the biggest complaints she's heard is about the signs for the espresso stand, which show a seductive graphic of a woman from the back wearing shorts and appearing to be topless.

Some people said they think the signs are too suggestive and shouldn't be so big.

Caughron said the signs let people know what type of coffee stand it is so they can stay away if they're offended.

Monday's City Council meeting starts at 6 p.m.

Organizers said they hope to have a big group of people speaking out against the espresso stand.