A. Smith & Co Productions To Brew A Jolt Of Entertainment With Baristas Coffee Company

SEATTLE, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. (OTCPK: BCCI) announced today that A. Smith & Co. Productions, producers of "Hells Kitchen" will take the lead role in the development and production of the reality series "Baristas," currently under development by Mark Mayer at M&M Productions. M&M Productions and A. Smith & Co. Productions have successfully collaborated on several highly acclaimed series in the past, including "Conspiracy Theory With Jesse Ventura" and "Sports Unfiltered With Dennis Miller." 

"Baristas" will give audiences a look in to the daily lives of the beautiful baristas at the Baristas Coffee Company based in Seattle. Competition is fierce – gorgeous baristas are constantly vying for top shifts and doing whatever it takes to rake in the most money. There's no shortage of excitement within the management, as store leaders take on the constant challenges and opportunities that come with expanding the business of the nation's most provocative cafe. The stakes are high and each Barista will stop at nothing to ensure that they hold the very lucrative position as a "Baristas" barista.

"It has been surreal watching the development of both the 'Baristas' reality series and the team that has been assembled throughout the process," said Barry Henthorn, CEO of Baristas Coffee Company. "We are extremely proud to join A. Smith & Co. Productions and its family of productions and programming.  I look forward to chronicling our expansion, challenges, and the truly remarkable characters that are part of the Baristas Company.  We expect that the addition of A. Smith & Co. Productions as lead developer and producer will further enhance the quality and reach of this project."

"Baristas Coffee Company is one of the most compelling and unique coffee shops in business today – turning heads and making waves with the best-looking baristas in the nation," said Frank Sinton, Chief Operating Officer of A. Smith & Co. Productions. "The blend of beautiful baristas, controversial business, and colorful customers at this provocative coffee stand is an entertaining combination that audiences will love."  

"Baristas" will be executive-produced by Arthur Smith, Kent Weed and Frank Sinton of A. Smith & Co. Productions; Mark Mayer of M&M Productions; and Barry Henthorn of Baristas Coffee Company.  

About Baristas Coffee Company (BCCI)

Headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. was formed to create a national brand of drive-thru espresso stands. BCCI has accomplishing this by acquiring established businesses that fit its model, opening new locations, and franchising. Baristas has separated itself from the competition with its "theme" of joining attractive female baristas in entertaining costumes and preparing the finest beverages available on the market. Baristas can currently be found in six greater Seattle area locations as well as in Texas, Florida, Montana, and Arizona. Your state, Coming Soon! 

About A. Smith & Co. Productions

A. Smith & Co. Productions creates some of the most innovative, highly rated and high quality programming for the domestic and international television marketplace. Founded in 2000 by Arthur Smith and Kent Weed, the company has produced more than 2000 hours of award-winning programming. The company's current production slate includes such hits as Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, American Ninja Warrior, The Choice, Surprise with Jenny McCarthy, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Full Throttle Saloon, Unsung, UFC Countdown and many others. A. Smith & Co.'s library of programming includes hit shows like The Swan, Skating with Celebrities, Paradise Hotel, Trading Spaces and Pros vs. Joes. A. Smith & Co. has developed and produced the #1 show in America an astonishing 20 times and a Top 10 show over 75 times. The company has produced programs with budgets totaling approximately a billion dollars, for more than 40 broadcast and cable networks. In 2011, A. Smith & Co. joined forces with Tinopolis Group and in doing so became the leading North American television production entity within the Tinopolis organization with the ability to tap into that company's resources on a worldwide basis. 

About M&M Productions

M&M Productions is one of the most prolific producers of poker entertainment programming in the United States.  In 2010 and 2011, M&M Productions produced over 100 original hours on Fox Broadcast, including The Million Dollar Challenge, the most watched poker show in television history. M&M Productions was founded by Mark Mayer, a 20-year veteran of sports and unscripted entertainment.  An Emmy award winning producer at ESPN and Fox, Mayer has produced shows featuring Keith Olbermann, Dick Vitale, Jesse Ventura, Jay Mohr, Dennis Miller and many more. 

For more information on this series, please visit us at www.baristas.tv  

Contact for Investor inquiries:
Barry Henthorn for Baristas Coffee Company
[email protected]
(206)579-0222

Contact for press inquiries:
Mira Yellin for A. Smith & Co.
Beck Media & Marketing
[email protected]
310-300-4800

Brad Stapleton for A. Smith & Co.
Beck Media & Marketing
[email protected]
310-300-4800

SOURCE Baristas Coffee Company, Inc.