Never let it be said that Oregonians cannot see a good idea and improve on it.  Such is the case of Sex-presso, which I blogged on in February.

Coffee shop owners fight rules with bikini-clad baristas

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."

Ignore the one liners.

"Bikini Days" - which include a man-made beach and lounge chairs out front - is just one of many atttemmpts 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."

The bikini tops follow a trend that's become popular at drive-through espresso stands in Seattle.

"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."

And they are making it pay bigtime:

It will continue through summer as part of the business's promotional package for the suncare company Hawaiian Tropic.

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.

And there you have it.  Endorsements for coffee.

It's a whole new ballgame.

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