Since Hooters started in Clearwater and a couple of its original owners hailed from Iowa, I think I’m the perfect person to write a Top 5 Things To Know list about the chicken-wing chain that is having financial problems and closing restaurants in Florida and across the country.
Why me, you ask? Well, I spent most of my professional life in the Tampa Bay area as well as five years in Iowa. Besides, like millions of people, I love hot chicken wings, greasy French fries and cold beer.
First, let’s make it clear the restaurants closing are franchises of Hooters of America, based in Atlanta, not Hooters Inc., based in Clearwater. Thanks to former Tampa Tribune Sports co-worker Rick Mayer for pointing that out.
While there are other eating places that have combined wings, side dishes, beer AND waitresses in scanty attire, Hooters was the original. The chain spawned its own hot sauce, calendars, a NASCAR entry, ball girls and even a casino at one point.
More: Hooters restaurants closing without warning across US, including these 4 in Florida