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.