Hooters has officially opened its first location in The Villages on Monday, July 7th, drawing a crowd of hundreds from the sprawling Central Florida retirement community along with other residents in surrounding towns to much intrigue and fanfare.
Located at 700 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 32163 which is just off East County Road 44 in Lake Deaton Plaza, the grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting signaled the first Hooters to open in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. Lines formed early in the morning as residents, many dressed in orange and white, gathered to celebrate the arrival of the restaurant known for its sports bar atmosphere, chicken wings, and trademark uniformed servers.
Richard & Greta S. of the Village of Duval said “We’ve been coming to Hooters for over 25 years. We love it because the food is so consistently good, especially the blackened grouper.” Timothy R. was there with his wife and daughter and said “Now I don’t have to go to Ocala to get wings!” For many this is the place they go for exactly that, THE WINGS. Hooters wings are some of the best you can get and now Villages and surrounding residents have a location right at home.
The Villages is a rapidly growing retirement community with over 150,000 residents. They are no stranger to big brand arrivals, but the addition of Hooters has generated particular buzz, with mixed reactions across social media. Some praised the restaurant for bringing “something fun and different” to the area, while others questioned whether the chain’s branding is appropriate for the area. Regardless Hooters is here and ready to serve some great food.
Hooters General Manager Summer Abarbanel says “We are so happy to be here in The Villages.” Summer’s management staff is all female. “The people in this age group remember the original Hooters and we provide that nostalgia and always the fun and quality.” said Summer.
Despite the many things people have said, one of the things people have said they look forward to is the food. Hooters wings are famous and for good reason. The delicious secret sauces used on the wings are incredibly good. But they also offer some good burgers, salads and sandwich options…