It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic College Park National Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Tacoma, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Titlow Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Melting Pot - Tacoma or visit Port of Tacoma Observation Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Tacoma, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Tacoma, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Tacoma, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Washington state lawmakers are seeking greater oversight of private detention facilities like the ICE center in Tacoma, as immigrant rights groups report ...
Washington state lawmakers are seeking greater oversight of private detention facilities like the ICE center in Tacoma, as immigrant rights groups report a sharp rise in the number of people detained there.
Why it matters: Advocates say conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center have worsened as more people — including at least one U.S. permanent resident — have been sent there as part of President Trump's immigration crackdown.
The latest: House Bill 1232, which had a public hearing this week in the state Senate, would allow the state Department of Health to conduct inspections of privately run detention facilities in Washington state.
State of play: The measure has cleared the state House and awaits action in the Senate.
By the numbers: An attorney with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project estimated that between 1,400 and 1,500 people were detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center as of Wednesday, nearing the center's capacity of 1,575 people, The News Tribune reported.
The other side: Neither ICE or The GEO Group responded to questions from Axios about the number of detainees at the Tacoma facility or the conditions inside.
Yes, but: A spokesperson for The GEO Group wrote in an email to Axios that the company believes the proposal in Washington's Legislature is unconstitutional, as would be "any effort by a state to regulate a federally contracted facility."
By the numbers: The state Health Department says it has received more than 1,500 complaints about the Northwest ICE Processing Center since June 2023.
Between the lines: Washington passed a law requiring state inspections of private detention facilities in 2023, but a federal judge struck down much of it last year, ruling that it "impermissibly discriminates against GEO" and its Tacoma facility.
Zoom in: The new proposal includes a broader definition of a private detention center, so it would also apply to Martin Hall, a juvenile facility run by a not-for-profit company, lawmakers said.
What's next: House Bill 1232 is scheduled for a vote Monday in the Senate Human Services Committee.
High school athletics transfer rules in Washington state have been loosened.In last week’s voting period, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s (WIAA) representative assembly passed an amendment approving a one-time transfer for student-athletes during their four-year high school career after they’ve established their initial eligibility at a high school.Under the new rule, a student-athlete who transfers will be ineligible for varsity competition for 40% of the maximum number of allowable co...
High school athletics transfer rules in Washington state have been loosened.
In last week’s voting period, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s (WIAA) representative assembly passed an amendment approving a one-time transfer for student-athletes during their four-year high school career after they’ve established their initial eligibility at a high school.
Under the new rule, a student-athlete who transfers will be ineligible for varsity competition for 40% of the maximum number of allowable contests for sports played the previous year, as defined by each sport’s specific rules, in the school year following the transfer.
The previous rule only allowed high school students to transfer to another school and retain their varsity eligibility during the following calendar year if their family has a corresponding residence move. There were a few exceptions to the rule, such as the hardship exception, in which students could appeal their athletic eligibility if they could prove unique circumstances concerning the student’s physical or emotional status existed.
The WIAA formed a committee in 2024 and began looking at changes to the transfer rule after pressure from at least one Washington lawmaker, The News Tribune previously reported.
Some coaches have expressed concerns about competitive equity and the potential for super teams if the amendment passed and transfer rules were loosened. The argument in favor of the amendment was that student-athletes and their families should have free choice of which school they want to attend and their athletic eligibility shouldn’t be affected.
The WIAA hoped to get in front of the issue before lawmakers in Olympia forced its hand.
The one-time transfer rule was a sort of compromise between the current rules and a full-fledged open transfer portal, which currently exists at the college level in the NCAA.
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 11:28 AM.
Jayla Mason was already halfway through her shift Tuesday inside a small bubblegum-colored Pink Sugar Espresso stand in Tacoma when the morning rush began to slow. Donning a see-through pink jumpsuit that left little to the imagination, Mason is a 23-year-old bikini barista who is used to the stares.In a state known for coffee, where small drive-through stands pop up on nearly every corner, bikini baristas have carved their niche in a saturated market over the last two decades. How did they get their start? What does it take to do tha...
Jayla Mason was already halfway through her shift Tuesday inside a small bubblegum-colored Pink Sugar Espresso stand in Tacoma when the morning rush began to slow. Donning a see-through pink jumpsuit that left little to the imagination, Mason is a 23-year-old bikini barista who is used to the stares.
In a state known for coffee, where small drive-through stands pop up on nearly every corner, bikini baristas have carved their niche in a saturated market over the last two decades. How did they get their start? What does it take to do that job?
Mason has worked in the industry for five years, three of them at the pink stand in the South End (which advertises “Hot coffee, hotter baristas”). Now a manager, Mason said, “I have never done, like, clothed coffee” and started working as a bikini barista when she turned 18, “obviously for the money.”
Although she’s paid hourly, Mason usually walks away with about $200 in tips per shift, although she said that rate used to be between $400-$500 a shift before the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulars will come by and sometimes give her a $100 tip with their coffee order, but the job comes at a cost, Mason said.
“It’s definitely a little bit degrading. But … you have a body, rock it. Why not?” she said, cleaning the espresso machine. “I love what I do. At times it has its downs, for sure … You deal with the perverts and whatever. But I’ve been in this industry for a while now, so I’ve grown a little thicker skin.”
Mason said her job has taken a toll on her relationships because not every man wants to date a bikini barista. A lot of baristas also carry pepper spray, bear mace or baseball bats in their stands to defend themselves against aggressive clients. Mason, for instance, carries a gun. All Pink Sugar Espresso stands are fitted with an internal panic button and internal and external security cameras, she said.
Although most of her patrons are men with wedding rings between ages 35 and 60, Mason said she also gets couples and people from all walks of life. When customers ask for her number, she directs them to her work Instagram (@coffee.w.jay) and will only respond if they send her something on Cashapp.
“I’ve never had any, like, crazy stalkers for anything like that. I live very far from where I work. That’s why I also work up here, because I don’t want people following me,” Mason said. “We’re just people. A lot of the time people treat us as animals, and they’ll come and start recording you or start taking pictures of you … it’s just a weird feeling, because we’re people, right? You know, we [just] have a little less clothes on.”
Of the six Pierce County bikini coffee stands this reporter visited over the course of a Tuesday afternoon, only one other barista was willing to talk to The News Tribune about her experiences.
A 23-year-old strawberry blonde Ladybug Espresso employee wanted to remain anonymous to protect her privacy. She said she started working as a bikini barista because one of her friends worked there, and she wanted to have a fun job in her early 20s to save up some money. As a line of pickup trucks and SUVs snaked around the small red hut decorated in ladybug spots, she said she usually feels safe working but keeps a cup of boiling water nearby just in case. Although she hasn’t worked at a strip club or done sex work, she said “it’s really common” among bikini baristas.
Mason said she usually gets about 30 customers a day in the winter and spring, and 45 to 55 a day in the summer months. The morning shift is usually busier, until the days get longer, she said. When it’s cold, Mason said, the coffee stands are stocked with heaters and baristas usually wear robes when they don’t have customers.
It’s hard to calculate how many bikini barista stands are in Pierce County because the stands are often licensed, taxed and regulated the same as any other coffee stand. Bikini barista stands don’t meet the definition of “adult entertainment” under state or county law, but cities can have their own regulations limiting them, said Pierce County auditor Linda Farmer.
Most of the ones in Pierce County are in Lakewood along South Tacoma Way or in the South End of Tacoma and Spanaway area along State Route 7, according to Google Maps.
In Tacoma, bikini barista stands need to get a general business license like any other business, and owners need to take steps to ensure they aren’t classified as “adult entertainment.” That means making sure their scantily clad employees aren’t visible “at any time from outside the facility or from any other place,” said city spokesperson Maria Lee, citing Tacoma Municipal Code 6B.30.
There are nine bikini barista stands in Lakewood, and the city doesn’t require special regulations either, said communications manager Brynn Grimley.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department regulates bikini coffee shops the same as any other food establishment, requiring workers to wear clean clothes and maintain good hygiene, said spokesperson Kenny Via.
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries said there’s not a specific rule that coffee stand workers have to wear personal protective equipment like close-toed shoes, but businesses are required to do a PPE hazard assessment where their employees are working, and, if a hazard exists, they could require employees to wear PPE to address it, said communications consultant Dina Lorraine.
Although most bikini baristas work alone, the state’s isolated worker law — which seeks to protect employees who spend a majority of their working hours alone or without another coworker present from sexual harassment and assault — doesn’t apply to bikini baristas or coffee-stand workers, Lorraine said. That law only applies to employees working as security guards, commercial janitors, hotel or motel housekeepers and room service attendants, she said.
Eddie Alvarado is the founder of Coffee Shop Startups, an online consultation firm based in Seattle that has helped people wanting to open everything from a bikini barista stand to a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, coffee kiosk, coffee trailer, online coffee shop or amateur roastery for about 15 years. He’s written articles about how to start bikini coffee shops and the pros and cons of running those types of stands. Most of his clients call him from outside of Washington and the Pacific Northwest, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
In America the drive-through coffee stand came as a result of to-go coffee culture on the open road, Alvarado said. Bikini barista stands began popping up in the Pacific Northwest in the early 2000s as a result of “extreme competition” and a desire to stand out in an over-saturated coffee market, he said. Corporations like Starbucks and Dutch Brothers have also “invested heavily” in drive-through stands all over the country in the last decade, adding to the competition, Alvarado said.
“You have a number of drive-through stands that are kind of your typical mom-and-pop stands, or typical stands that just kind of pop up on the side of the road. And then you have an enormous amount of really good coffee roasters,” he said. “And we have a lot of people interested in coffee, and a lot of people being on the road, coupled with the pressures of commercial rents that have people looking for innovative options by which to sell coffee.”
The Northwest is a popular place for bikini barista stands, which have popped up in places like Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Nevada, he said.
Cowgirls Espresso in Tukwila is credited as one of the first bikini barista stands to open in 2002, according to multiple news outlets. A May 2024 article from the Portland Eater titled, “Portland’s Bikini Barista Revolution,” said there are more than 150 bikini coffee stands in Washington, the densest place in the United States. Portland’s more lax public nudity laws and unique ownership model (where “nearly all” bikini stands are owned by current or former bikini baristas, according to writer Lauren Yoshiko) makes that city fertile grounds for them, too.
Alvarado encourages people thinking about opening a bikini barista stand to consider several things. Although the business can be “very lucrative” for both owners and baristas, owners need to consider community backlash or scrutiny as a result of the stands, he said. Owners also should take steps to find a good location, mitigate risk in the cash-heavy business and hire baristas who adhere to a strong code of ethics and are clear about tolerated behavior to reduce turnover, Alvarado said.
In terms of safety for employees, owners should make sure the stand is in a well-trafficked, well-lit area with secure windows and doors, he said. Baristas should be trained on what to do in the case of a robbery or when they receive unwanted attention, Alvarado said. It can also be good practice to double up on staffing during certain hours of the day or have a manager on site to support baristas when they leave to ensure they’re not followed, he said.
“It’s unfortunate, but in many of the stands, you have a very vulnerable individual or two that are possibly alone with a lot of money that can be easily watched,” Alvarado said. “Owners really need to take a lot of precautions in terms of keeping the barista safe.”
Uniquely is a series from The News Tribune that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in Pierce County so special.
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
MyNorthwest.comThe rain started coming down in Eatonville and along the northern Olympic Peninsula around 4:30 p.m. Several hours later, after foreboding clouds menaced the area, hundreds of lightning strikes were reported from Tacoma and Auburn to Seattle and Issaquah.The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an unusual bout of severe weather on Wednesday, with forecasts that warned residents of the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes across parts of Washington and Oregon.?The National Weat...
MyNorthwest.com
The rain started coming down in Eatonville and along the northern Olympic Peninsula around 4:30 p.m. Several hours later, after foreboding clouds menaced the area, hundreds of lightning strikes were reported from Tacoma and Auburn to Seattle and Issaquah.
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an unusual bout of severe weather on Wednesday, with forecasts that warned residents of the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes across parts of Washington and Oregon.?
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued a severe thunderstorm watch along the Interstate 5 (I-5) corridor, extending from Seattle down to Eugene, Oregon. This marks the highest risk level for Seattle since at least 2012. The primary threats include hailstones potentially reaching sizes of 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter—comparable to limes or tennis balls—and strong wind gusts. Additionally, there’s a 2% chance of tornadoes in the region, a rarity for this area. ?By 9 p.m., Snohomish County was getting pummeled by rain, but the severe storm watch for King, Thurston, Pierce, and Lewis counties expired.
Meteorologists attribute these conditions to a combination of near-record warm temperatures and lingering moisture, creating an unstable atmosphere conducive to severe thunderstorm development.
The potential for severe thunderstorms (1 inch hail or wind gusts of at least 58 mph) continues to decrease. As a result, the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for King, Thurston, Pierce, and Lewis counties will be allowed to expire at 9 PM. #wawx https://t.co/bWb7gPnZe1
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) March 27, 2025
I legitimately couldn’t tell you the last time it rained this hard in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/ET7lQCizEI
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) March 27, 2025
By Thursday morning, more rain is expected throughout, with very limited thunderstorms. Morning lows will be in the upper 40s.
Thursday’s highs are only expected to reach the upper 50s, with very little “significant weather” on the horizon, outside of sporadic rain paired with strong, blustery winds.
The National Weather Service predicts an up to 29% chance of several hailstones that are greater than one inch in diameter. The threat of several wind gusts exceeding 58 miles per hour? 14%. There’s a small risk—2-4%—of a tornado.
“This air mass will be in place as a front lifts across the region tomorrow, which will be favorable for thunderstorm development,” said Anna Lindeman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. An intensifying low-pressure system offshore is expected to provide the necessary lift and wind shear, increasing the likelihood of storm rotation and potential tornado formation. ?
Local weather expert Cliff Mass, a professor at the University of Washington, highlighted the significant instability predicted for Wednesday.
“Around here, meteorologists get excited when Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) gets into the low hundreds. (Wednesday), it will exceed 1,000 in some locations,” Mass noted. “For some perspective, in tornado alley areas in the midwest, values can rise to 3,000-4,500.”
Higher CAPE values indicate a greater potential for severe thunderstorms. ?
The National Weather Service suggests securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is evacuating their aircraft ahead of the storm, reported KIRO 7. According to the media outlet, the 62nd aircraft wing is evacuating several C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to protect them from damage.
The Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport is also taking precautions.
“We’re taking precautions related to high winds, such as securing airfield equipment and working with airlines and FAA,” Sea-Tac Airport wrote on X. “As always, check your specific flight info with your airline.”
Our teams are on the ready to respond to the upcoming weather situation as needed. We’re taking precautions related to high winds such as securing airfield equipment and working with airlines and FAA. As always, check your specific flight info with your airline. pic.twitter.com/pmMwEuQmhj
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) March 26, 2025
Pope John Paul II High School has canceled the evening 9th and 10th grade class meetings with Mrs. Dietz.
The Lake Washington Institute of Technology closed at 3 p.m.
Eastside Academy closed at 4 p.m.
Seattle Public Schools canceled all events for the evening.
“This includes the Board Community Engagement session at Rainier Beach High School scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today,” SPS wrote on X. “All sports practices and after-school activities should end early enough to allow families time to safely pick up their students.”
???? Important Weather Update for Wednesday, March 26 ????
Due to the forecasted hazardous weather, all events are canceled this evening. For everyone’s safety, all school buildings will close at 5 p.m. pic.twitter.com/iREiqpZCrR
— Seattle Public Schools (@SeaPubSchools) March 26, 2025
The Tumwater School District has canceled all evening activities and evening athletic contests. The district said practices will conclude at 3:30 p.m., and no parent conferences are scheduled to start after 3:35 pm. There will also be no after school/evening facility use. The board meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. is under discussion and may be moved to an online format.
The King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) has activated Tier 2 weather response protocols from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.
“We open KCRHA-funded temporary emergency shelters (also known as severe weather shelters), contracted to engage at Tier 2; seek expansions to existing emergency shelter programs, including 24/7 shelters and night-by-night shelters,” KCRHA wrote in a news release.
Tier 2 also means KCRHA supports food distribution to temporary shelter sites and updates communications materials including but not limited to KCRHA’s Severe Weather webpage, and flyers, to include up-to-date information.
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