“Historic” Hooters now reopened, complete with company museum

Who knew that a Hooters restaurant could be considered “historic?” But that’s exactly how the company, famed for its guy-centric combo of bosomy waitresses and spicy chicken wings, is billing the reopening of its original location in Clearwater, Fla.

The Hooters Management Corp. empire, which spans 44 states, 27 countries and once encompassed an airline, began as a beach bar concept on Clearwater’s Gulf to Bay Blvd in October 1983 (yes, that means that next year we might see tight 30-year commemorative tank tops).

The original location shut down for a remodel last November and has relaunched with 7,000 square feet and 35 HD-flat screen TVs. Besides the ability to see a sports game from most vantage points, the restaurant now has a MuSEEum chronicling its history. Memorabilia in the muSEEum range from postcards from the Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas – soon to be on the auction block – to a chicken costume that the founders once wore to drive in business.

Travel writer Chris Gray Faust writes about Value Luxury vacations on her website, Chris Around The World.

Try the Red Savina chicken wings at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, a tavern located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, announced last Thursday that it will begin selling chicken wings coated in one of the world’s hottest chili peppers: the Red Savina. For reference, the Red Savina is roughly twice as hot as the habanero, and 65 times hotter than a jalapeno.

The wings, according to a Reuters story, “will be served with an alarm bell for patrons to summon waiters with sour cream, milk sugar and white bread if things get out of hand.” Those brave enough to sample the three-alarm wing “must sign waiver agreeing not to sue for injuries.”

Sure, the move is no doubt a bid for publicity (hey look, it worked) similar to those serving up overpriced dishes like the $1,000 brownie, but some hardcore wing connoisseurs might actually make the pilgrimage. I’d try one.

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
41 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266-0400

[Via All Night Surfing]