Did you know there are six Hooters locations in South Africa? And the world’s largest location is now in Liverpool, England? It’s true.
And yet, wherever a Hooters is located, “It’s American — not motherhood and apple pie, maybe, but food, folks, and fun with a little sex appeal,” a restaurant consultant told a newspaper reporter in 1991.
Founded by six Clearwater, Florida geniuses — former Illini defensive end Lynn D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer and Dennis Johnson — the original Hooters location was opened on October 4, 1983.
Stewart figured he could make a few dollars while drinking beer delivered by beautiful women and he’d have himself a winning formula. So he and his buddies put up $139,000 each and then went searching for waitresses on Clearwater Beach.
But, according to Hooters historians, the original owners figured it wouldn’t last so they built a graveyard in front of the store in honor of businesses that had failed in that location.
“I had every intention of being broke in six months,” Stewart said of the venture.
Eventually, an American hero by the name of Robert H. Brooks obtained majority control of the business and is credited with forming the franchise model that turned Hooters into an iconic brand. In 1984, the six sold the expansion rights to Hooters of America in Atlanta and the six guys were earning 3% off all sales.
Dreams do come true, folks.
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