Coffee Shop or Strip Club? OC Business Faces Controversy | [City/Region] News

Garden Grove Coffee Shop Under Investigation for Alleged Illegal Activity

Garden Grove, California – A business operating as DD Café, licensed solely as a coffee shop, is under scrutiny following allegations and an undercover investigation revealing it may be functioning as a strip club. The Garden Grove Police Department arrested 17 individuals at the establishment on Thursday, February 5th, though details regarding the charges remain undisclosed.

The allegations first surfaced from Garden Grove residents, including former resident and news producer Mytchell Mora, who expressed concerns about the business for over a year. Mora contacted city officials, a nearby high school, and the school district, stating, “Everyone knows about it, and no one was doing anything about it.” His primary concern centered on the café’s proximity to La Quinta High School, a location that violates Garden Grove Municipal Code prohibiting adult entertainment businesses within 1,000 feet of a school facility.

FOX 11 Los Angeles conducted an undercover investigation at DD Café, located at

, capturing footage of female servers allegedly providing lap dances, offering private dances for cash, and informing customers they could bring alcohol onto the premises for a fee. The owner of DD Café, when approached by FOX 11, reportedly claimed the location was “only a coffee shop” and requested the investigators leave. Attempts to reach the owner for further comment were unsuccessful.

The City of Garden Grove has not yet responded to inquiries from FOX 11, which were initially sent on February 3rd and again on February 5th, detailing the undercover footage and requesting comment. The Garden Grove Police Department announced the arrests on social media Thursday night, but has not released further information about the nature of the charges or the identities of those arrested.

The situation echoes concerns surrounding “bikini barista” businesses, where employees serve coffee while wearing revealing attire. These establishments often navigate complex legal and community dynamics, facing challenges related to zoning, employment laws, and public decency standards. Legal definitions of such businesses are often debated, and regulations vary significantly across jurisdictions. For example, a city ordinance in Everett, Washington, requires employees to cover certain body parts, a regulation that was previously challenged in court.

The legal landscape surrounding these businesses is further complicated by employment law and personal rights. Employers must balance anti-discrimination laws with their desired dress codes, and disputes can arise over whether such codes constitute gender discrimination or legitimate business practice. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines on dress codes, but their application to businesses like DD Café remains contentious.

The investigation into DD Café is ongoing, and the future of the business remains uncertain. The incident raises questions about the enforcement of local ordinances and the balance between business operations and community standards in Garden Grove. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.