The first ever Hooters celebrated its reopening today after a complete remodel in Clearwater, Florida. The Hooters at 2800 Gulf to Bay Blvd. is the restaurant that launched the iconic American brand, which today boasts more than 480 locations in 44 states and 27 countries worldwide. Though completely updated and remodeled, the Original Hooters still maintains the same “delightfully tacky, yet unrefined” historic charm and appeal as it did when it first opened on October 4, 1983.
In order to honor the restaurant’s storied past, part of the old bar and original flooring have been retained, as have some of the walls and original structure. The restaurant now also incorporates a special MuSEEum, chronicling many of the milestones in the company’s “soon to be relatively famous” history. Along with numerous photos and videos for customers to enjoy, it showcases keepsakes that memorialize Hooters’ history.
The first Hooters opened in Clearwater, Florida on October 4, 1983. During its long history, the Hooters concept has actually undergone very little change. The iconic brand has kept its logo, uniform, menu and ambiance very similar to what existed in the original store. The casual beach-theme establishments feature “oldies” jukebox music, sports on television, and a menu that includes seafood, sandwiches, salads and spicy chicken wings. The 7,000-square-foot original Hooters restaurant now has 209 seats, and includes an indoor/outdoor bar and 35 flat panel HD televisions.
Hooters Management Corp. closed the Original Hooters November 28 of last year and has completely renovated and rebuilt it in the same location, preserving some of the elements from the Original. The New Original Hooters is one of 22 Hooters Restaurants owned and operated by Hooters Management Corp. in Tampa Bay, Chicago and Manhattan. For more information log on to www.originalhooters.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/originalhooters, or follow them on Twitter @originalhooters.
