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When signs over the front door read "Over 18 only" and "No cameras, no touching, cash only," you're usually at a strip club. But in tiny Vassalboro, Maine, those signs indicate you've arrived at the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop, where the coffee is hot and the wait staff is, well, cold. (Video below if you wanna check out the ambiance.)

The new coffee shop had its grand opening yesterday. When the Kennebec Journal stopped by, three topless women and one bare-chested man were on hand to serve two middle-aged men, the shop's only customers.

One of the waitresses, Susie Wiley, 23, told reporters she did not think the shop was degrading to women. Instead, she found working half-naked "very empowering." Sure, it's all empowering until somebody spills a steaming hot latte on their exposed skin.

Read about locals' reaction to the racy coffee shop after the jump.

Sex and Relationship News

Despite the town planning board's unanimous approval of plans for the log-cabin-looking shop, it opened to the to the chagrin of many local residents. Those opposed to the coffee shop expressed fear that it would attract sleazy clientele. Others, like local Kevin Goodrich, thought the gimmick would help pour some life into the small town's lagging economy.

So are topless waiters and waitresses a smart marketing tactic to steal some of those all-too-important recession customers, or is the ploy just plain tacky?


Shopping Porn for Coffee Lovers

    Inka press filter coffee maker, $88, Alessi.

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    Punch coffee mug, in a ceramic finish or silver coating, price upon request, J.C. Karich industrial design studio.

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    Santos Stovetop Vacuum Coffee Maker, $69.95, bodumusa.com.

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    Francis Francis X1 Trio, espresso machine for $900, illy.com.

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    Classic Century Coffee Pot, $72.95, Crate and Barrel.

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    Handpresso Espresso Maker, $155, MoMA Store.

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    Cylinda Line Coffee Press, $315, Design Within Reach.

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    Aika Espresso Cups and Saucers in red or brown for $20 each, MoMA Store.

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    The Ultimate Coffee Cup with saucer, $22 each, Lux-Delux.

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    Elektra Semiautomatic SXC Chrome Espresso Machine, $1,999, Williams-Sonoma.

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