At first glance, the Java Mama coffee shop on Rosedale Highway looks like other drive-through coffee shops, but there is a difference. The baristas are wearing bikini tops.
The owner of Java Mama, Tim Allen, got the idea for the unusual dress code from businesses up north that have tried the idea with great success. Allen said he had to come up with a new idea to compete with the “corporate giant” Starbucks.
With the success of the original Java Mama in Tehachapi, Allen decided it was time to try in Bakersfield. According to Allen, in the two weeks the baristas have been wearing bikinis, business has tripled. Allen said, “I’m going to be the Hooters of the coffee industry.”
The women can be seen early in the morning working in the drive-through and even assisting customers waiting in line at the drive-through, chatting them up and making idle conversation with them while they wait.
According to Allen, everyone has enjoyed the new beach-themed atmosphere including the girls, their parents and, of course, the customers. Most of the customers are women and so far no one has complained, although there have been hateful blogs posted about the Java Mama in Tehachapi, they are usually countered by several satisfied customers.
Allen is not the only one who has enjoyed the success. According to Allen, the girls who work there make enough in tips to work only part time and go to school full time and since all the girls who work there are college students, they don’t have the time to work full time so the tips are a major help. The girls of Java Mama have the freedom to choose their own attire, usually consisting of a bikini top of their choice and jeans or skirts. Allen said that the girls enjoy the laid back atmosphere and have fun with each other and the customers.
The bikini baristas are not the only draw to Java Mama, according to Allen, The Old West Cinnamon Rolls, which are only available to The Java Mama, have been very successful selling a couple hundred a day.
Allen said that he wanted to create a fun and interactive atmosphere and that he wanted to “blow the town away.” So far, the attire hasn’t been an issue. Allen said that the women are always tastefully dressed and do not wear bikini bottoms and there have been no reports of perverts harassing the girls.
The business has been so successful, Allen said that he is considering opening up new locations including one near Bakersfield College and says that he is still looking for more college women. For those looking for an alternative to the trendy atmosphere of Starbucks, they can look to Java Mama for the morning jump-start.