Since Hooters began in Clearwater and a few its authentic homeowners hailed from Iowa, I feel I’m the proper particular person to write down a Prime 5 Issues To Know checklist concerning the chicken-wing chain that’s having monetary issues and shutting eating places in Florida and throughout the nation.
Why me, you ask? Properly, I spent most of my skilled life within the Tampa Bay space in addition to 5 years in Iowa. In addition to, like tens of millions of individuals, I like scorching rooster wings, greasy French fries and chilly beer.
Whereas there are different locations which have mixed all these issues AND waitresses in scanty apparel, Hooters was the unique. The chain spawned its personal scorching sauce, calendars, a NASCAR entry, ball women and even a on line casino at one level.
Extra:Hooters restaurants closing without warning across US, including these 4 in Florida
So, seize some wings and loads of moist naps and take a look at my checklist:
First Hooters restaurant was positioned in Clearwater, Florida
The primary Hooters opened on Bay to Bay Boulevard simply west of the Courtney Campbell Causeway on Oct. 4, 1983. Second location was in Tampa, not removed from Tampa Stadium. I’m proud to say I ate there the primary week it opened.
For the wings, after all.
Hoot Owl, get it?
The Hooters model title ostensibly was for the Owl, the clever mascot of the chain. Undecided about these rumors it was meant for anything.
Yet another factor – Temple’s mascot, Hooter, has nothing to do with Hooters.
The unique Hooters woman
One among their waitresses – Lynne Austin – was the unique Hooters woman, showing on billboards all around the Tampa Bay space in addition to the chain’s first calendar. She additionally was a Playboy Playmate of the Month in July 1986 and was married to former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Darren Daulton, who died in 2017. Talking of these calendars, Bob Passwaters, who dealt with the chain’s promoting and advertising, used to ship me one yearly.
For scheduling functions, after all.
Chef Jon Gruden
Former Raiders and Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who led Tampa Bay to a Tremendous Bowl championship, labored on the authentic Hooters as a cook dinner in 1983. After being pressured out of the NFL in October 2021 for uncovered emails during which he repeatedly used racist and homophobic language, Gruden is now an advisor for the Milano Seamen of the European League of Soccer.
Don’t suppose there are any Hooters in Italy.
A Hooters on the Strip
There was once a Hooters On line casino Lodge, simply off the Vegas Strip. It opened in 2006. It’s now the Oyo Lodge & On line casino, however there may be nonetheless a Hooters restaurant on the property.
For the wings, after all.