Markert suggested in the May 20 letter that the women promoting the coffee shop were in danger of being "raped and murdered." She wrote that the petition signers have pledged to not buy anything at the shopping center until the women stop advertising in the streets.
Perky Cups owner Jason Bernal says his 10 employees aren't at risk and that Markert's letter went overboard.
Nearby storeowners are divided on whether the bikini-clad coffee saleswomen are helping or hurting business.
