Hanford resident Mark Mendez asked the city to consider revoking Bottoms Up Espresso's license, which is currently being processed. City of Hanford screengrab

A coffee stand chain featuring scantily clad baristas is the target of renewed criticism on its plans to expand in the Central Valley.

Modesto-based bikini barista franchise Bottoms Up Espresso has applied for a business license to operate a coffee stand at 2431 N. 10th Ave. in the Northwood Plaza in Hanford.

Even though there were no items related to the proposed business, more than a dozen residents attended the Hanford City Council meeting Tuesday to speak in opposition of Bottoms Up in their community.

Hanford resident Mark Mendez asked the city to consider revoking Bottoms up license, which is currently being processed.

Mendez alleged Bottoms Up “entered into Hanford deceivingly” and suggested it operates “an unlawful business model.”

“If you look at their social media and websites you’ll see they’re not just selling coffee, they’re selling adult entertainment,” Mendez said.

Stacy Call, co-owner of Bottoms Up Espresso, said it was seeking a presence between its Clovis and Bakersfield locations. Hanford came on the company’s radar in working with a commercial broker.

Call said the Hanford store is awaiting a final health inspection from the county before opening.

The stand will require seven employees on staff as well as a manager. Wages for baristas start at $16 an hour.

Call said it’s disheartening to see members of the community attacking her business, employees and customers based on misinformation, lies and ignorance.

She said it is not the responsibility of a small fraction of the community to dictate what to protect the entire community from.

“We take the concerns of the community seriously and want to assure everyone that our business is not a threat to the community or a lure for criminal activity.

She said they have partnered with community organizations including the Kern County Autism Network, Stanislaus County Crime Stoppers, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, and more.

Deputy City Manager Jason Waters said Bottoms Up is allowed to open in that zone of the city as it’s not categorized as an adult oriented business.

“As far as this business goes, what they are proposing to do is allowed in that location, and as a city, we are not going to say, ‘we don’t like that’ or ‘you can’t do that’,” Waters said.