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Friday, October 29,
2004 San Francisco, CA -- After posting disappointing numbers for the last fiscal quarter, the popular Hooters restaurant chain is trying to expand into new demographic areas in an attempts to broaden the kitsch appeal of their restaurants.
"We think by changing the name and theme slightly, we can attract a whole new type of customer," said Roscoe Allen, VP of Business Development for Hooters. "Poopers" will open some time in March 2005 in San Francisco's Castro District. The Castro is one of the most famous gay districts in the world and has numerous successful restaurants on the main strip. Allen and other Hooters Execs hope that this Hooters spin-off will give the company a much needed boost at a time when Americans have less money to spend on family dining. In contrast, Gay men in the Bay Area represent some of the most affluent people in the country with a much larger amount of disposable income, according to a 2004 survey by Forrester research that was published in September. In order to successfully attract their new audience to Poopers, the franchise had to make a few changes to their format. There will still be the same buxom waitresses that have made the restaurant the #1 family dining spot throughout the midwest. The difference is that some of the waitresses will be packing something a little extra; a secret, some might say. In addition, men will be allowed serve at Poopers as long as they adhere to the same dress code as women, possibly even wearing the new Poopers prototype ass-cleavage short shorts. Allowing men and transgender individuals to serve food at their restaurants has been a source of controversy in the past. The Hooters franchise was sued by the Equal Opportunity Employment Office on behalf of Dan Lewerzen, who wanted to be a Hooters Girl and claimed that Hooters discriminated against men by not hiring them to be Hooters Girls. "Men are welcome to serve food at 'Poopers' - just not at 'Hooters'. We think there is distinct difference in themes between the two restaurants and we hope the public understands this," said Allen. If Poopers is a success, Hooters has plans to open other outlets in traditionally gay areas of Austin, Texas, New York City and Seattle.
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