'Bikini baristas' increase coffee sales

DETROIT, July 31 (UPI) -- Two Michigan coffee cafes have seen sales jump since they started featuring female baristas in skimpy outfits including bikinis and lingerie, observers say.

Brenda and Gary Zelda, owners of the two Detroit-area drive-through Hot Spot Coffee shops, said sales doubled overnight with the change in the baristas' dress Brenda describes as not overtly sexual but "sexy/flirty/fun," The Detroit News reported Saturday.

"It's a unique way to gain attention and awareness from the general public," she said. "It's a fun thing to do."

In addition to the costumes, the shops feature special days including "Topless Tuesdays" and "Flasher Fridays."

Business has been so good, the Zeldas say, they're opening a third location in Brighton Township.

Brighton Township manager Dan Bishop says that's fine with him.

"They've got a marketing gimmick that's a little outrageous," he said. "As long as they are in compliance with the township codes and ordinances, they're legal and free to operate."

There was a complaint about Topless Tuesdays, officials said, but they checked it out -- and found it was just about serving the coffee drinks without lids.