In preparation for this Sunday, February 6th, Hooters locations across the country are getting ready for customers to consume over 2 Million Hooters Hot Wings during the Big Game.

Wings are the number 1 item on the menu during a typical week at Hooters.  If history holds true, this Sunday will be the highest sales day for Hooters, To-Go and from customers catching the game from the 450 restaurants around the world.

“Every survey you see says wings are one of the most popular staples for any Super Sunday diet,” said Mike McNeil, the VP of Marketing for Hooters of America, LLC.  ”We love it because our stores are full and wings are flying out the door.”

Guests are also invited to their favorite Hooters restaurant to watch the game this Sunday and enter for a chance to drive home with a brand new TV.  One lucky football fan in each of their 380 U.S. restaurants will be going home with a 42″ HDTV the night of the Big Game. This is the 5th year that Hooters has run this annual promotion.  

Hooters of America, LLC is the franchisor and operator of over 450 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 29 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters or www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

On Sunday, February 6^th Hooters is giving customers a chance to win big. One lucky football fan in each of their 380 U.S. restaurants will be going home with a 42″ HDTV the night of the Big Game. This is the 5^th year that Hooters has run this annual promotion. 

Sports fans who catch the Big Game at their local Hooters can enter for a chance to take home a brand new TV.

“The annual TV Giveaway is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Alexis Aleshire, public relations manager for Hooters. “Not only do our customers get to enjoy our signature Hooters’ hot wings during the Playoff games, but 380 of them will win a new TV on February 6th. That’s something to cheer about, no matter which team you’re rooting for.”

The 460 Hooters restaurants worldwide are known for their brand of food and fun. The world-famous Hooters Girls All-American cheerleaders serve up a menu of seafood, sandwiches and, of course, chicken wings that help make the restaurants neighborhood hotspots for anyone looking for a fun, action-packed place to enjoy the Playoffs and the Big Game itself.

“Our TV Giveaway event adds more excitement to an already action packed day,” said Aleshire. “Whether or not ‘your’ team wins, all of our customers have a chance to be winners on February 6th.”

For more information on Hooters or on the big TV Giveaway, please visit www.Hooters.com.

Today, Hooters of America, Inc. “HOA” announced the completion of a transaction which transfers ownership of the company from the estate of Robert H. Brooks who passed in 2006 into the hands of a consortium of private investors, including Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCLR) “Chanticleer”.  Simultaneous with this transaction the investor group will also acquire Texas Wings, Inc., the largest franchisee of HOA.  The two businesses will come together to strengthen the Hooters brand worldwide.  Today’s transaction brings to an end nearly three decades of Brooks’ family ownership of the franchisor of the world-famous Hooters restaurants.  Brooks was known in part for his colorful and often unorthodox expansion of Hooters into ventures such as an airline and NASCAR racing.  However, Brooks is best known for his leadership and oversight of the dramatic growth of the Hooters concept.  A fledging concept with only two locations in 1984 when Brooks acquired it, the Hooters brand has grown into a successful chain of 452 restaurants in 44 states and 29 countries.

“I am so extremely proud of what my father and our team here have built,” stated Coby Brooks, President and CEO of the company since 2003 and the son of the late founder, “and I am even more excited about our next phase of growth following this transaction.”

“My father built a great company.  He was a visionary filled with a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit.  However, he was often limited by a lack of financial resources.  Since his passing the requirements of his estate have limited us even further. While it is bittersweet to see the end of my family’s ownership of the company, I know this new investment will put us in a position to grow rapidly and fully realize the potential of the Hooters brand.”

The combination of 120 restaurants from HOA and 41 restaurants from Texas Wings will create a formidable operating company boasting 161 company-owned locations across sixteen states, or nearly half of all domestic Hooters restaurants and over one-third of the locations worldwide.  The Texas Wings stores which are among the highest volume in the country will add financial strength and additional operational excellence to the company.  ”I am very pleased to join forces with Texas,” continued Brooks.  ”Kelly Hall, the majority owner of Texas Wings, which is our largest and among our best franchisees, will bring considerable knowledge and passion to HOA.”  Hall will have a significant commitment in HOA and will serve on the company’s board.

Chanticleer, a Hooters franchisee in South Africa, has long recognized and appreciated the tremendous value of Hooters.  This passion and knowledge of the brand enabled Chanticleer and its investors to win out in what was a competitive market process for the prized Hooters brand.  ”I am pleased to finally complete this transaction and fulfill the vision I discussed many times with Mr. Brooks,” stated Mike Pruitt, President and CEO of Chanticleer.  ”It was his desire to see his family’s interest protected and to see Hooters put on sound financial footings. The management team has done an amazing job of building the company and the brand despite limited resources. It will be rewarding to help carry that dream further now that the company will have the necessary resources to grow.” Chanticleer and its limited partners will be equity holders and Pruitt will sit on the board.  

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 450 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 29 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters or www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

Hooters of Hattiesburg, MS will open its doors to the public at 11 AM on December 10th, followed by a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, December 13th.  The store has partnered with Toys for Tots during the opening weekend, offering guests who support the cause with a toy donation a free order of Hooters loaded Tater Tots (Lots-A-Tots).  Located at 101 Carlisle Street off Hardy and 1-59, the Hooters of Hattiesburg is the 5th Hooters location in Mississippi and 1st in the area.  

At 10:00 AM on December 13th Hattiesburg Hooters will host a ribbon cutting celebration with the Chamber of Commerce and will be donating all the toys collected over the weekend to the Toys for Tots organization.

“We are excited to bring the Hooters concept of food and fun to Hattiesburg,” stated Tory Bartlett, Vice President of Franchise Operations for Hooters of America.  ”The store is in an excellent location and has many upgraded features that the residents will enjoy.”

The new 5200 square foot location comes equipped with 30 high-definition televisions,  7 booths with personal TVs, free WiFi, seating that can accommodate 200 customers as well as a full liquor bar and an outdoor patio. The Hooters of Hattiesburg can be reached at 601-268-6600.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 460 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 30 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters of www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

After the October purchase of Burger King restaurants by 3G capital, the industry was abuzz with rumors of slashing costs in order for an easy flip of the business.  So far, the speculation seems to be holding true.  After a surgical removal of seven top-level executives in October, 3G Capital announced a much larger round of downsizing on Monday.  On Monday, the new owners of Burger King announced the dismissal of 413 employees from across the company, including 261 employees in South Florida.  Many of the dismissals in Florida worked at the company’s Miami-based headquarters.  Before the cuts, it was thought that 500 to 700 people were employed at the facility.  3G has said that even though they have reduced the workforce, they do not intend to move the Burger King headquarters out of Miami.

The battle over the sale of Hooters of America, Inc. took another turn last Thursday when a Horry County judge approved the sale of the company to Wellspring Capital Management.  As part of a previous loan, Chanticleer Investors LLC was given right of first refusal over any sale of the company.  It appears Chanticleer will attempt to block the sale of the company to Wellspring.  The battle began after Hooters founder Robert Brooks died in 2006 and divided ownership of the company between his son and daughter.  Brooks’ second wife refused the terms of his will as written and the legal battles have been ongoing since.

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Wingstop has announced a franchise incentive program aimed at increasing the number of multi-unit franchisees.  The new incentive program will run through April 1, 2011 and offer qualified candidates the opportunity to become a part of the Wingstop brand for reduced franchise and royalty fees.  The program is part of the company’s aggressive expansion campaign after a banner year in 2010.

Superior, Wisconsin City Councilor Greg Metzig is planning to introduce a city ordinance that would follow in the footsteps of the recent San Francisco ban on toys in fast food meals that do not meet certain requirements.  In order for toys to be included, the meals would have to be less than 600 calories with no more than 10% of calories coming from fat as well as meeting other nutritional guidelines.  Metzig says he drafted the measure after a number of citizens asked him to do something to promote the health of Superior residents.  The measure is expected to undergo a preliminary vote next Tuesday.

In the midst of the recession, restaurants around the country have turned to technology to help keep the doors open.  Aside from the usual suspects like Facebook and Twitter, a number of restaurants around the country are beginning to use daily deal websites like Groupon, which leverage the power of social media to promote one special deal each day.  When a deal is posted, a specified number of coupons have to be sold in order for anyone to get the discount.  The group buying system encourages buyers to spread the word to friends, family, and strangers to ensure enough of the deals are purchased for the coupons to be valid.  People love it because they get amazing discounts, and restaurants love it because they do not pay a dime if the required number of deals are not sold.

OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC has announced the return of volunteers from a successful Operation Feeding Freedom VIII trip.  Operation Feeding Freedom is part of OSI’s continued effort to support American and Coalition troops stationed away from home.  The latest incarnation of the event marked the eighth time that OSI has sent volunteers overseas to give troops a taste of home cooking.  To date, the company, which operates Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, and a number of other restaurants, has served meals to more than 167,000 troops stationed at various locations around the globe.

Brinker International, Inc. announced that Ian Baines has been named Senior Vice President of Strategic Innovation for Brinker and Chili’s Grill & Bar.  Additionally, the company announced that Carin Stutz has been named President of Brinker’s Global Business Development.  In his return to the company Baines will oversee future kitchen and culinary innovation as well as head the company’s plans to remodel more than 800 company-owned Chili’s locations.  Stutz will oversee all business decisions and restaurant operations for the company’s international locations as well as developments for Brinker’s international goals moving forward.

Smashburger is partnering with 25/20 Management to bring the acclaimed burger joint to Brooklyn in 2011.  25/20 is slated to open three locations in Brooklyn, all featuring menu items designed to appeal to the unique palates of New Yorkers.  The expansion into Brooklyn is part of Smashburger’s larger plan of targeted growth in New York City.  The restaurant currently has franchise agreements in place for 20 locations in Long Island and continues to seek partners in the New York City area for additional locations.

Since the 2008 opening of their first restaurant, Bullritos has become a local favorite.  On November 29, Bullritos opened their tenth store.  To celebrate the new Houston location, the restaurant gave away free tacos for a year to the first 50 qualified guests in line.  The opening was so popular that guests stood in line for the Monday morning grand opening starting on Sunday night.

Johnny Rockets, Home of the Original Hamburger, celebrated the opening of its new location in Quezon City on November 12.  The location is the second Johnny Rockets in the Philippines and officially opened on October 10.  Since opening their first Philippines location in August of 2009, Johnny Rockets has quickly become a favorite in the country’s most populous city.  In keeping with Philippine tradition, rice is served as a side dish alongside meals.

An Horry County judge approved the sale of Hooters at a hearing Thursday, but a legal battle is brewing between two companies seeking to buy the international restaurant chain best known for its “Hooters Girls” waitresses.

Chanticleer Investors LLC is trying to exercise a right to block the sale of Hooters of America Inc. to Wellspring Capital Management. Hooters granted Chanticleer “the right of first refusal” in a previous loan agreement that would give it precedence over any other bidder seeking to buy the company.

A sale to either company is expected to close before Dec. 31, said Jim Creel, one of the estate’s five executors, during his testimony.

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A woman claiming she was attacked by a security guard at a south suburban Hooters restaurant after disputing her bill filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the restaurant chain.

Livier Torres claims a Hooters security guard attacked her Jan. 10 inside a restaurant on the 9100 block of South Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn after she disputed charges on her bill, according to a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

The suit claims Torres asked a waitress to see a manager about charges on her bill, but instead security guard Joseph Schmidt approached and “took up an intimidating position.”

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Applebee’s is celebrating Veteran’s Day by offering a free meal to all veterans on Thursday, November 11.  Last year the special event served free meals to more than 1 million veterans, this years is expected be even larger.  The free meals are available between 11 a.m. and midnight.  Veterans must have ID verifying veteran or active military status for redemption.

The first Hooters in Japan will open on October 25.  The new restaurant marks the 30^th international country where a Hooters restaurant can be found.  There are now 470 Hooters locations around the world.  There will be a VIP party hosted at the newest location on October 23.

Carl’s Jr. announced a new menu item to their lineup.  The restaurant will begin offering customers hand-breaded chicken tenders comparable to those served at a sit-down restaurant.  The meal will come in three and five piece options.  3-piece meals will sell for $2.99 and 5-piece meals for $4.49.  The chicken strips will also be available in combo and kids meals.

Dunkin’ Donuts announced it has renewed their sponsorship agreement with the Boston Celtics.  The company’s new agreement runs through the 2012-13 NBA season and allows Dunkin’ Donuts to use team marks and logos in advertising and merchandise.  The two sides said they would focus on community while working together.

A McDonald’s in Rotterdam is using the latest in technology to curb theft.  The restaurant is using a device that sprays would be thieves with non-human DNA.  The spray is not harmful or noticeable except under UV lights, and allows police to identify the culprits easily. 

IHOP held its annual Franchise Conference honoring franchisees, vendors and other team members.  IHOP reviewed the success of the previous year and set forth their strategic plan for the company in 2011.  The company also announced that Mike Szawielenko was the winner of the Franchisee of the Year award.

A Cleveland couple is suing Steak ‘n Shake, the waiter, and nearly everyone else associated with the Ohio restaurant that they say landed their child in the hospital.  The couple said they ate at the restaurant in October 2009 when a waiter tricked their child into using hot sauce so hot it was recommended it be diluted prior to use.  The couple’s child needed to be treated for various symptoms after having a severe reaction to the hot sauce.

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken n’ Biscuits announced that for a limited time guests will get two Boo-Berry Biscuits for just 99 cents.  The Boo-Berry is the same biscuits as the Bojangles’ classic BoBerry biscuit, with the only difference being the price.   The offer is valid through October 31.

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. announced the third location of the franchise in Houston, TX.  The new store was opened by a current and local franchisee.  It will be located near the Rice University campus and office buildings.

The first Hooters location in the “land of the rising sun” will open on October 25th.  The Hooters of Tokyo, Japan marks the 30th international country and 470th Hooters location where guests can enjoy Hooters nearly-world famous wings.  The store will host a VIP Party on October 23rd.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to open a Hooters in Japan,” stated Hooters Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations, John Weber.  ”The combination of population density, economic strength and demand for iconic American culture makes us believe this will be the first of many successful locations in the country.”  

Located in the Akasaka district near the Emperor’s Palace, the Hooters of Tokyo boasts the same beach-themed atmosphere, menu items and iconic Hooters Girls that you can find in America and around the world.  The location can accommodate over 150 guests, features 11 TVs, a full liquor bar and has employed 90 residents as managers, cooks, staff and Hooters Girls.

There are 11 additional Hooters restaurants scheduled to open by the end of this year, including 7 international locations in Germany, Wales, Ecuador and Spain.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 470 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 30 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters or www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

Hooters held the 17th Annual Hooters Memorial Golf Tournament on September 20th raising $100,000 to fund Hooters Community Endowment Fund (HOO.C.E.F).  The tournament is dedicated to preserving the memories of NASCAR Champion Alan Kulwicki and Hooters employees Mark Brooks, Dan Duncan and Charlie Campbell’s whose lives were taken in an airplane accident near Bristol, TN on April 1st, 1993.

Over 180 golfers attended this year’s tournament, held at the Marietta Country Club in Marietta, GA – just outside the Hooters of America headquarters of Atlanta.  The money raised will benefit HOO.C.E.F. which will be used to fund various local charitable efforts across the country.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 460 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 29 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters of www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

Hooters expects to host over 25,000 fantasy draft parties over the next several weeks as a result of a promotion offering leagues draft kits and making it easy to reserve a table through online reservations.  Every draft league that hosts their party at Hooters will receive a kit inclusive of a draft board, stickers, cheat sheet and Hooters season ticket coupons valued at over $500 to use during the games.  

Through Hooters.com, Foxsports.com and Facebook, Hooters made it easy for fans to log on online and reserve a table at their favorite Hooters location to host their draft parities.  The majority of these draft parties are scheduled to take place the weekend of August 28th and 29th.  This is the newest element of Hooters fantasy football push and the fourth year that Hooters has offered the season tickets.  

“Over the past 5 seasons Hooters has become America’s most popular site for fantasy football leagues to host their annual drafts,” stated Mike McNeil, Vice President of Marketing for Hooters.  ”With free WiFi, great food and fun, and of course the favorite fantasy football cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls, no location offers more benefits.”

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 460 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 28 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.

The most beautiful Hooters Girls from Hooters’ 455 locations around the World will be competing at the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant on July 10th.  This year, 100 Hooters Girls from Australia to Atlanta are heading to Fort Lauderdale, FL to compete for $150,000 in cash and prizes at the 14th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant.  

The Hooters Girl contestants were selected to represent their hometowns by competing in local swimsuit contests or were individually chosen to represent their Hooters location.  They were selected from over 17,000 Hooters Girls worldwide who presently work in one of the 455 Hooters restaurants across the world.  

The week leading up to the pageant the Hooters Girls will be participating in Hooters Magazine and Hooters Calendar photo shoots as well as supporting charitable efforts.  On Monday, July 5th the Hooters Girls will pack 20,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency that delivers meal packets throughout the world.  The Hooters Girls will also be making a trip to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, July 7th to visit the children there.  

The 14th Annual International Swimsuit Pageant will take place at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and will be broadcast live on Spike TV at 9 PM ET on July 10th, shown in Hooters restaurants across the country and streamed live at Hooters.com.  From evening gowns to swimsuits, the contestants will be judged by a distinguished panel of celebrity judges and photographers.  

The first place contestant, Miss Hooters International 2010, will return home with the crown, title and the $50,000 first place prize.   She will represent Hooters for the year and be featured in the Hooters Magazine, Hooters Calendar and appear in national TV commercials.  

Other awards will be presented to Miss Hooters World, representing Hooters 28 international countries; Miss Hooters Congeniality; Miss Hooters Magazine Reader’s Choice, who is selected based of voting at www.Facebook.com/Hooters and Miss Photogenic.  

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 455 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 28 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.

Dimitri Lingris, the general manager of Hooters, which has opened an outlet in Fourways, its second in South Africa, insists that this is a family restaurant. But he admits that the establishment is often mistaken for a strip club.

The waitresses, called Hooters Girls, are scantily clad in white tank-tops with the famous Hooters logo of an owl, and short orange, tight-fitting runner’s shorts.

“It’s a jogging suit,” Lingris says. “Everything about this place is fun. We’ve got enough TVs in here to start a cinema and we’re always playing sports and good music.”

The girls’ attire wouldn’t seem so strange in summer, but bitter cold weather makes the girls’ cheery mood seem somewhat insincere.

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On June 4th Hooters will open the first location in the Czech Republic, the 29th country where you can now find Hooters nearly world famous wings! The facade of the building the restaurant resides in was built in 1763, making the Hooters of Prague one of the most unique Hooters locations around the world.  The restaurant also features 16 hi-definition TV’s, a full bar and a gothic basement which dates back to 1381.  The Hooters of Prague is conveniently located near the Karlovo namesti, at Vodickova 5/12, Prague 120 00, Czech Republic.

The VIP store opening celebration will be held on June 3rd supporting FOD, Fond ohrozenych deti (The Fund for Children in Need).  Hooters will be presenting a gift of CZK 50,000 at the grand opening. FOD has been operating in the Czech Republic since 1990 and works to assist children who have been orphaned, abused or neglected. Much of their work involves assisting in the placement of children in foster homes and running several homes that provide shelter for needy families.

“We are excited to become the newest member in the Hooters family with the opening of our first restaurant in Prague,” stated J. Steven Parker, CEO, Na Zdravi Ventures.  “We expect the introduction of Hooters restaurants into the Czech Republic to be well received by both the Prague community and the many tourists that visit this wonderful city. We look at this as the first step of a long-term journey to spread the theme of “Hooters Makes You Happy” throughout the Czech Republic.” 

The very first Hooters opened in Clearwater, FL on October 4, 1983.  The neighborhood restaurant is a blend of unique concepts, lively classic sports-themed bar, and casual dining restaurant.  Hooters is known for its great atmosphere, open kitchen, rocking tunes, non-stop sports action on television, and the only place you’ll find the world famous Hooters Girls.  This concept has grown exponentially not only in the States but worldwide.  This combination makes Hooters the place for everyone who enjoys great food, cold drinks and good fun.

The company slogan “Hooters makes You Happy” has never been more true with current menu items that include world-famous chicken wings tossed in the customer’s choice Hooters Wing Sauces, juicy “more than a mouthful” burgers, fresh salads, sandwiches, appetizers and piping hot fries all served in generous portions complimented by cold beer or one of Hooters signature cocktails.  Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, all these things are served to you by the Hooters Girls, a major attraction in and of themselves.  It is not uncommon for customers to forget momentarily about the food placed before them as they watch the Hooters Girls having fun and stirring up the lively Hooters atmosphere.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 459 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 29 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.  

About Na Zdravi Ventures, a.s.

Na Zdravi Ventures, a.s. is a Czech company that holds the exclusive franchise rights to operate Hooters restaurants in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The company, the brainchild of six U.S. and two Czech partners, was formed in 2008 and will open its initial restaurant in Prague in 2010. For more information about Na Zdravi Ventures, please visit www.nazdraviventures.com.

Two lawsuits by former Hooters servers claiming weight discrimination at the Roseville location are groundless, a representative of Hooters of America Inc. said today.

“There’s no case in the first lawsuit, and there’s no case in the second,” said Mike McNeil, vice president of marketing for Hooters of America, at a press conference at the restaurant on Gratiot.

This is the first time the Atlanta-based corporation has directly responded to the lawsuit filed on May 24 by Cassandra Smith, 20, of Roseville. Smith said her civil rights were violated when she was placed on “weight probation” during an annual evaluation and offered a gym membership. She maintains she actually lost 12 pounds during her two years working there.

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“It’s horrible. What they do is not right,” said Smith. Since when am I overweight? I’ve never been told I was overweight in my life, and now, all of a sudden, I have to lose weight to keep my job?”

Ex-Hooters waitress Cassie Smith of Roseville is sticking a hot wing with extra sauce in the eyes of her former employer, the wing belonging to attorney Mark Bernstein and the sauce a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages.

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Hooters had just given Smith a glowing, two year review.

“I had excellence in… dealing with customer complaints and customer satisfaction,” she said.

However, her bosses and two women on a conference call from the company’s headquarters in Atlanta changed their tune when it came to her uniform evaluation.

“We have that your shorts and shirt size could use some improvement,” said Smith.

Cassie, who is almost five foot, eight inches tall and weighs 132 pounds, claims she sat there while she was told that if she wanted to keep her job, she needed to drop some weight.

“These women proceeded to explain to me that I had 30 days and they would give me a free gym membership, and if I didn’t improve within those 30 days I would be separated from the company,” she said. “If I improved a little bit I would get 30 more days, and if I improved completely they would leave me alone.”

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Leave it to No Shoes Radio to find a partner who can bring the fans home! Teaming with Hooters, NSR has launched a national sweepstakes across Hooters’ 380 domestic locations – as well as a text-to-win component where fans text “Kenny” to 36832 to register – for an airfare, hotel and pair of tickets/meet & greet passes for Chesney’s July 2 show at the Joint at the Vegas Hard Rock.

“Since I’m not coming to the fans, this is one more way we can being the fans to me,” says Chesney of the No Shoes Radio/Hooters partnership. “Fans can also enter by listening to No Shoes Radio and logging in with their Passport Club information once a day… But the whole point is getting a very special pair of superfans to Vegas.”

The contest ends June 13th, but to celebrate fans can pick up a free 4-song Chesney compilation CD – exclusively produced for Hooters/No Shoes Radio – at select locations. Hooters has been a sponsor of NSR since its launch last August, hosting remotes along the Sun City Carnival Tour and bringing listeners the “Hooters Happy Hour” on the station located at www.noshoesradio.com. Hooters continues it investment in the cyber-radio station by broadcasting remotes from Las Vegas, Baton Rouge and Nashville among other locations during this promotion and will provide more chances to win concert tickets and other prizes.

“Our Partnership with No Shoes Radio has been amazing thus far and we are excited to provide this unique sweepstakes opportunity to our Hooters guests,” stated Noela Scarano, Director of Marketing for Hooters of America. “Given Kenny’s limited performance scheduled this summer, this trip is a chance of a lifetime for any fan. In addition to the grand prize, many fans will get the chance to party with No Shoes Radio right in our restaurants.”

With the first weekend of the 4-time Country Music Association and 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year’s 4 night stand at the Joint already sold out – and only a handful of tickets to the July 2 and 3rd shows remaining – this is a great way to guarantee getting into the show and being part of Chesney’s most intimate full band shows this year. Though known for his high energy NFL stadiums shows – most recently captured in the nationally released Top 10 film “Kenny Chesney Summer in 3D” – there’s a special ferocity and fun factor when the songwriter from East Tennessee checks into the Joint, which he – and the Killers – had a hand in opening last year.

“The beauty of No Shoes Radio is that it puts my music, not just as it’s recorded, but as we play it and as we hear it, not to mention everything else me and the guys listen to on the road and when we’re gone, straight in the hands of the fans. I love that Hooters is helping my guys bring a couple fans to Vegas to share in what will no doubt be a crazy night of music!”

* Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 455 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 27 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.

* No Shoes Radio is the internet radio station founded by Kenny Chesney to reflect the music that inspires the award-winning singer/songwriter/superstar. Culled from his hits, live tracks, demos, music from his iPod, bands no one has ever heard of and a playlist that melts genres, NSR has been one of the internet’s most popular stations since signing on in August 2009 and being so overloaded that it crashed. With a healthy dose of rock, reggae and live concerts, it is a perfect reflection of its creator’s lifestyle. Visit NSR at www.noshoesradio.com.

* Contest powered by Denver-based mobile company, State of Text.

* Contest rules available at www.hooters.com.

Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio teamed with Hooters to launch a national sweepstakes across the restaurant chain’s 380 domestic locations for Chesney’s July 2 show at the Joint at the Vegas Hard Rock.

The contest includes a text-to-win component where fans text “Kenny” to 36832 to register for an airfare, hotel and pair of tickets/meet & greet passes “Since I’m not coming to the fans, this is one more way we can being the fans to me,” said Chesney. “Fans can also enter by listening to No Shoes Radio and logging in with their Passport Club information once a day… But the whole point is getting a very special pair of super fans to Vegas.”

The contest ends June 13th, but to celebrate fans can pick up a free four-song Chesney compilation – exclusively produced for Hooters/No Shoes Radio – at select locations. Hooters has been a sponsor of NSR since its launch last August, hosting remotes along the Sun City Carnival Tour and bringing listeners the “Hooters Happy Hour” on the station located at www.noshoesreadio.com. Hooters continues it investment in the cyber-radio station by broadcasting remotes from Las Vegas, Baton Rouge and Nashville among other locations during this promotion and will provide more chances to win concert tickets and other prizes.

Continue reading . . .

Four Hooters Girls will be visiting thousands of troops stationed in Iraq & Kuwait next week. Hooters partnered with Pro Sports MVP to coordinate the tour alongside country music band BrokeDown Cadillac and comedian/emcee Andy Lauer who will be performing during a 10-day morale, welfare and recreation tour.

Nationally acclaimed Hooters Girls Raechel Holtgrave from Maryland Heights, MO; Ashleigh Dunn from Newnan, GA; Wendy Foster from Rock Hill, SC and Lara Hardy from San Diego, CA will be participating in the upcoming goodwill tour. The Hooters Girls will reach thousands of military personnel while participating in autograph signings, meet & greets, hospital visits, and evening performances with BrokeDown Cadillac and Andy Lauer.

This is the second time in less than six months Hooters Girls have made a trip to Baghdad to visit the troops. Hooters is very active all year in support of the military through various promotions.  For the past 6 years Hooters restaurants has participated in Operation: Calendar Drop and has collectively sent over 100,000 calendars to military personnel overseas along with a note of appreciation during the holidays. Hooters also has donated over $100,000 to Operation Homefront, an organization that provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops and their families, through the Tom Valentine Fund. Thomas J. Valentine, a Navy SEAL troop chief, was killed during a training exercise Feb. 13, 2008.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 455 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 28 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.

BrokeDown Cadillac – BrokeDown Cadillac is a 5-piece modern country band fronted by Atlanta native, Corri English, and her counterpart, Randy Dunham. Veterans of stage performance, BrokeDown Cadillac’s live show is electrifying. The band, a tight collection of seasoned players, rarely offer people a chance to sit down, with their string of upbeat, toe-tapping numbers commandeering fans to the dance floor. Corri and Randy have written over two dozen songs for this project, five of which have recently been used in the 2009 Disney box office hit, “Race to Witch Mountain,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The two, joined by their backing band, Danny Reuland on drums, Don Ian on lead guitar, and Jeff LeGore on bass, were also included in a performance sequence of the movie, playing in a honky-tonk bar.

Andy Lauer - Emmy-nominated Lauer has been an on-screen host for many diverse programs spanning the non-profit sector (Red Cross International) to the fun and crazy (MTV, E!). He has co-starred on the big screen in Gunshy (Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock), Screamers (Peter Weller), Never On Tuesday (Peter Berg), For the Boys (Bette Midler), Oliver Stone’s The Doors (Val Kilmer) and Born on the Fourth of July (Tom Cruise). He’s best known to America as “Charlie” on the hit NBC comedy series Caroline in the City. He recently directed and co-starred in the motion picture I Was A 7th Grade Dragon Slayer starring Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Racing Stripes). Due in theaters Spring ’10.

Pro Sports MVP, a Colorado Springs, Colorado-based company, is a full-service sports and entertainment marketing firm which develops and implements corporate marketing programs and provides marketing services for over one thousand of the world’s most recognizable celebrities. www.prosportsmvp.com