EVERETT — For over a decade, the hot pink drive-thru was the place to go for coffee with a shot of cleavage.
The only steamy thing now is the coffee.
What’s up with that?
The storied landmark at 41st Street near Rucker Avenue is now painted white with stylish black trim. Flower baskets hang by the window. And the baristas don’t let it all hang out.
The former Hillbilly Hotties bikini barista stand has a new look and name.
Ruby’s Espresso opens Thursday in Everett.
The new owners, Chellce and Tyler McCaffery, renamed the stand with the publicized past.
A yearslong legal saga following a lawsuit from Hillbilly Hotties’ owner Jovanna Edge and several employees ended last year with a $500,000 settlement from the city. Edge’s stand was in business until weeks ago.
The Hillbilly Hotties legal quagmire dates back to 2009, when the city enforced a restrictive dress code after numerous complaints about baristas wearing little more than body paint, stickers and G-strings. The plaintiffs in a 2017 lawsuit against the city argued that was unconstitutional and a violation of their rights. They asked for over $3 million, and tried, unsuccessfully, to take it to the U.S. Supreme Court. A federal district court judge sided with them. In April, the Everett City Council changed its barista dress code to allow them to abide only to the city’s lewd conduct laws that apply to everyone. In short, they can show a lot of flesh as long as certain body parts are covered, minimally.
The McCafferys named Ruby’s after their 3-week-old daughter. They have a few goals for the Everett stand.
“Cleaning up the town,” said Chellce, 26, cradling Ruby in her arms Monday a few days before the grand opening. “And having a legacy for her when she gets older.”
“Not to sound in any disrespect, I don’t want her to ever work without having her clothes on,” added Tyler, 32.
The couple, who also have a son, Jay, 2, stressed they weren’t bashing bikini baristas, but opted for a family-friendly stand.
“We are not super against anything,” Chellce said.
There are plenty of other bikini stands around town, such as Teeny Bikini, Chicka Latte and Ladybug Espresso.
Across 41st Street from Ruby’s, a coffee stand with clothed baristas has been operating for years.
Ruby’s fronts a shopping plaza with a dry cleaner, cheesesteak eatery and a convenience mart that sells milk, beer, bongs and adult DVDs.
Jared Hallgren, a cashier at the mart, said regardless of barista attire, a coffee stand is good for his business. He expects Ruby’s will thrive.
“They are pretty busy across the street,” he said.
On Monday morning, a middle-aged man in an SUV slowed down to peer in the window of the freshly painted white coffee stand before quickly driving off, turning into the alley.
At the time, Ruby’s sign was not up yet.
A new drive-thru window shows a wide view of the inside, now white instead of bright pink. Glossy bottles of syrups line the wall. A basket of free lollipops is at the ready.
All workers and a manager are ready to serve, said Chellce, who has barista experience. Tyler is co-owner of the Amcon Pool and Spa construction company.
The couple were looking for a coffee stand to buy when a lease for the first of three Hillbilly Hotties sites in the county became available. After a makeover, that stand near Monroe opened as Ruby’s in May.
A month later, they took over leases on the Everett shop and a stand on Highway 9. They have been rushing to make the renovations, undeterred by the birth of the namesake. All three Ruby’s locations are white with a wholesome country cottage look.
The Highway 9 stand opens Thursday, the same day as the Everett shop.
The couple have a taste of what to expect.
At the first Ruby’s stand, 16412 Trombley Road near Monroe, some guys drive up expecting to see some skin.
People have asked, “Why are you wearing clothes?” Tyler said.
“No one has been mean or upset,” Chellce added. “They are: ‘Oh, OK.’”
Facebook photos from Hillbilly Hotties pages showed scantily clad women in provocative poses.
“Are you feeling cold today?” a post reads in May, before the sale of the Everett stand. “Let Angela warm you up.”
Posts from Ruby’s will center on deals, such as $1.25 kiddie hot chocolate or promoting the Ruby Tuesday double-stamp day.
The menu includes teas, energy drinks, cold brews and breakfast sandwiches.
Plans are in the works to deliver with DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Expect to see more Ruby’s signs around the county.
“Other bikini barista stands are reaching out for us to buy stands,” he said. “It’s definitely bringing a different smile to the community.”
Correction: A previous version of this story said the coffee stands were purchased, rather than leased.
Is there a person, place or thing making you wonder “What’s Up With That?” Contact reporter Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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