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'Breastaurants' Booming as Economy Tanks

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2009 5:23 PM CST

(Newser) – Many restaurateurs are struggling these days, but Hooters and a new crop of imitators are seeing their clientele increase, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Hooters revenues went up 2% from 2007 to 2008, and while the chain is secure—“We’re not looking over our shoulders,” said exec Michael McNeil—savvy entrepreneurs are taking a page from the Hooters playbook.

“It’s a guy’s world,” said the owner of a Texas franchise that features cute servers. “You can’t get it at home. But you can get it at Twin Peaks." Meanwhile Ruby Tuesday, a 950-store chain that lacks scantily clad waitresses, saw sales drop nearly 11% last quarter. "One of the easiest things to cut is eating out," said McNeil. One analyst concurred: "Fantasy goes a long way. Sex sells."

Hooters a success, even in China. (AP Photo)

The German version. (AP Photo)

A Hooters bartender serves drinks. (Getty Images)

Hooters Girls train at the Hooters Restaurant inside the world's first Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)

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Restaurant Boots Gay Men After Kiss

Police cite 'right to refuse service'; others blast discrimination

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Preschooler walks half a mile, probably for the wings

UK Balks at Hooters' Expansion

Opponents say chain will encourage broader sex industry

Restaurant Bans Crying Kids

Grant Central Pizza in Georgia asks parents to take tots outside

'Squatter' Who Claimed McMansion Gets the Boot

Texan's 'adverse possession' argument rejected

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'Breastaurants' Booming as Economy Tanks

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Texas • restaurant • franchise • Hooters

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Restaurant Boots Gay Men After Kiss

Police cite 'right to refuse service'; others blast discrimination

5-Year-Old Ditches Day Care for Hooters

Preschooler walks half a mile, probably for the wings

UK Balks at Hooters' Expansion

Opponents say chain will encourage broader sex industry

Restaurant Bans Crying Kids

Grant Central Pizza in Georgia asks parents to take tots outside

'Squatter' Who Claimed McMansion Gets the Boot

Texan's 'adverse possession' argument rejected

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?