What began as a solution to uncomfortably warm temperatures became a winning business strategy at the Cowgirls Espresso in Tukwila.

Baristas at Cowgirls wear different getups that match the theme of the day. It all started when one woman could no longer stand the heat and asked if she could wear a bikini top, according to owner Lori Bowden, who agreed to the request.

A spike in sales resulted and "Bikini Wednesday" was born. Soon, Mondays through Fridays were also themed. The themes are Military Mondays, Cowgirl Tuesdays, Bikini Wednesdays, School Girl Thursdays and Fantasy Fridays.

The themes are fun, but both Bowden and baristas agree they are simply an attraction.

"It's about quality," Bowden said. "It always has been."

Unlike many other coffee stands, Cowgirls buys dairy products from Smith Brothers Dairy, located in Auburn. Bowden says buying local products is more expensive, but higher quality.

"We don't cut corners," she said.

Christina, a barista who asked her last name not be used, has worked at the Cowgirls location at 14800 Interurban Ave. South in Tukwila since it opened.

Prior to being a Cowgirls Espresso, the stand has another owner and was called Caribbean Dreams. Christina worked for the previous owner and has been with the Tukwila stand for 41/2 years.

"I came with the stand," Christina noted with a smile.

Christina says it is having a great personality that makes people return to the stand as well as providing a great product.

"I love every single customer," said Christina.

One recent Wednesday, Christina was off work and sitting at a table outside of the stand. Customers were lining up in their vehicles and shouting greetings to her.

One customer was giving a tour of the area to his friend from Boston.

"It's like a landmark," he said. Christina says both men and women come by the stand.

There are families that come by as well. One family has become good friends with Christina and she even visits them at their home.

Husbands and wives and other couples stop by the stand, sometimes together and sometimes separately.

"I think we're really well established in Tukwila," she said.

Bowden is proud of the women who work at her stands. She describes them in one word--"stellar."

To work at Cowgirls, Bowden says the women must be responsible and have great customer service skills. She says the smiles on the baristas faces make customers want to come back.

"They leave their issues at the door," said Bowden.

The costumes make the work environment more fun, according to Bowden.

"They love to dress-up," she said.

Parents of her workers have thanked her for providing a happy and safe environment for their daughters, Bowden noted.

Christina adds she has not experienced any problems with customers.

While the baristas report they are happy at Cowgirls, some controversy has surrounded the business due to the sexy themed days.

"Do you tell your daughter she can't wear a bikini," Christina said regarding parents who are concerned about the attire of the baristas.

Christina also says what young people see on television is far worse than anything they may see at Cowgirls.

"I think it's empowering to the women," said Bowden. "It's a means of supporting themselves without the aid of a man."

Many of the girls working at the Cowgirls stands are also going to school.

There are three Cowgirls locations in Tukwila, two are owned and operated by Bowden and are located on Interurban Avenue while the third franchise location is on Tukwila International Boulevard.

Bowden has received franchise requests from across the country as well as Canada, and Australia. She is now certified to franchise in every state in the U.S.

A list of Cowgirls locations is available at www.cowgirlsespresso.com.