Topless Coffee Shop Opens in Maine

(Vassalboro, Maine) The signs at the entrance to the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop read "Over 18 only" and "No cameras, no touching, cash only.” It's assumed that lap dances are also prohibited.

In the midst of local complaints and objections, owner Donald Crabtree opened the shop for business yesterday.

A small sign hung out front the log-cabin-looking shop, listing the hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. The outside windows were blocked with promotional posters for New England Coffee. [...]

Inside, two men sip coffee at their booth; the rest of the tables are empty. Nearby are three topless women and one topless man. Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” plays on the speakers.

Brothers Dick and Rene Brochu of Augusta, ages 60 and 59, said they decided to stop by after hearing about the shop from friends.

"I really hope it works," Dick Brochu said. "It's different. I kind of like it. If you don't like it, I say don't come in, stay away."

Topless waitress Susie Wiley, 23, of Farmington, said she went for the job because it’s “something different” and that she’s worked in coffee shops since she was a teenager.

Asked whether the shop is degrading to women, Wiley said, “No, I love it. I find it very empowering, not degrading.”

The price of a cup of coffee hasn't been reported but if Starbucks can charge five dollars for a frappo-choco-foamo-creamoccini, Grand View coffee with free funbags should be worth a sawbuck.

Tip: CN