“We aren’t everybody’s cup of coffee,” Bikini-themed coffee truck faces backlash over location
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– A coffee stand in Idaho Falls is drawing attention and raising questions about whether its business model belongs at the Idaho Falls Greenbelt.
Naughte Latte, Idaho Falls’ first bikini-themed coffee truck, opened in October along the Idaho Falls Greenbelt. The business serves coffee and other drinks, with employees serving up orders wearing bikinis as uniforms.
Sofia Yanez and her husband Sergio Ramos co-founded Naughte Latte and operate the business together. Yanez says the idea had been years in the making and was intended to bring something different to the area.
“It’s something that I thought would be such a fun idea and would bring a little bit of spice to our area,” Yanez said.
Shortly after opening, the business began receiving criticism from some community members, primarily over its location near one of Idaho Falls’ popular family recreational areas.
The original statement was posted to Facebook by Kirsten Soza, where says she believes the business’s marketing is inappropriate for a public space frequented by families.
In a statement sent to Local News 8, Kirsten Soza’s full statement reads:
“My concerns regarding Naughte Latte are not about whether someone should be allowed to operate a lawful business.
“Exposing children to sexually suggestive business marketing in a city-managed vending space alongside one of Idaho Falls’ most recognizable family recreational areas is inappropriate. It also detracts from the beauty, atmosphere, and character of the Idaho Falls Greenbelt.
“My Christian faith informs my convictions, but I recognize that residents may have different reasons for caring about our shared public spaces.
What is legally permissible is not necessarily appropriate for every public setting.
“This is not about imposing my personal beliefs on others or targeting the business. It is about encouraging public involvement in decisions regarding how our shared recreational spaces are utilized.
“I encourage residents to contact City Council and request a review of the City’s current vendor policies, including consideration of changes for public recreational areas.
“The time to discuss these issues is while decisions are being made, rather than waiting until residents feel they no longer have a meaningful voice.”
According to Idaho Falls City Attorney Zachary Jones, food trucks are permitted to operate in the area as long as they follow city ordinances and obtain the necessary permits.
The permits include:
Mobile Food Vendor License Temporary Concession PermitYanez confirmed that Naughte Latte has obtained both the required mobile food vendor license and temporary concession permit.
“There are regulations and rules that apply. So if they violated our semi nudity or they appeared in a state of semi-nudity or nudity, that would be a violation of the law. But as long as they’re following the law and getting both the mobile food vendor license and the temporary concession permit, they are allowed to be there and operate, as long as they follow the law,” Jones said.
According to Jones, Naughte Latte does not fit in the category of nudity or semi-nudity.
“There’s a very specific definition of what constitutes nudity and what content constitutes semi-nudity. Semi-nudity requires if you appear in state of semi, covering the groin area and the areola of the female breast. Plus any supporting straps or devices, if that’s all they’re covering, then they’re in a state of semi nudity and that is prohibited. If they cover more than that, they’re not in a state of semi nudity. And because your your normal bikini is going to cover more than that area as long as they have a bottom as well. It’s not in a state of semi nudity,” Jones said.
Despite the criticism, Yanez said the response from customers and other community members has been largely positive.
“It’s a little discouraging. Just like anything else, you put your heart and soul into something, and for people to react that way, it is a little bit discouraging,” Yanez said. “But nonetheless, the outpouring that we’ve had of positivity, I think has made it so much more worth it. It outweighs the bad.”
Soza is encouraging residents who oppose the business’s presence on the Greenbelt to contact City Council and request a review of current vendor policies, including potential changes for public recreational areas.
“We aren’t everybody’s cup of coffee, and that’s absolutely okay,” Yanez said. “I would love for everybody to come give our delicious drinks a try, but if it’s something that they’re not comfortable with, that’s absolutely okay.”
For now, Naughte Latte can continue operating on the Greenbelt under the city’s current regulations, as long as it maintains its required permits and follows the law.
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