starkedsf.com
Today the AP's Daniel Yee takes a good, long look at Hooter's, as have many a customer over the years (sometimes three times a day, as in the case of one man quoted). The pickup for the story is 83 outlets and counting (plus whatever isn't online), presumably with matching stock images to match. While the article doesn't necessarily break much new ground — the big takeaway here is that the scantily-clad waitresses wearing the word "HOOTERS" across their chest are the main draw — it is interesting to see how the chain has thrived (it takes in $900 million in yearly sales and is projected to reach the $1 billion mark in 2007). Yee collects the usual assortment of quotes — from the execs who point out that the food is delicious, from the waitress who says that gosh darn it, its all about having fun, from the feminist activist who points out that the restaurant is called Hooters — and gets us all caught up on the fate of the Troy, Mich. liquor license controversy (license for new location denied; case still pending). But really, the story is that this story was picked up 83 times, and counting. If you doubt, see the assortment of breaking-news headline choices below:
Hooters and its customers admit: It's 'the girls' [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Waitresses help Hooters succeed [Courier News]
Despite controversy, Hooters prospers [Durham Herald Sun]
Girls help boost Hooters' profits [Montgomery Advertiser]
The key to Hooters' success: Less is more [Spokesman Review]
Less is more [Cincinnati Post]
