Hooters is up for sale with a $250-million price tag

Hooters is up for sale with a $250-million price tag

The Toronto Hooters (Photo by Gary J. Wood)

Between this and Giambrone’s couch, we’re keeping it classy today. Hooters, the Atlanta-based breastaurant chain with more than 450 outlets in more than two dozen countries, is looking for a buyer to lift and separate the eatery from its financial difficulties. The New York Post reports that despite more than $1 billion in sales in 2008, profits are down. Among the wing hut’s troubles are its food (Men’s Health ranked it one of the unhealthiest restaurants in the States) and mismanagement. In an upcoming episode of reality show Undercover Boss, one Hooters manager made the servers compete in an eating contest—apparently so that the employees could leave work early.

Aside from getting rid of that one manager and offering a better menu, we suggest new uniforms. Not even American Apparel should approve of sheer stockings worn under short shorts. But since the chain is looking for a cash injection rather than a brand overhaul, it’s unlikely that this sale will spur big changes at the Toronto Hooters location on Adelaide. We plan to stay abreast of the issue.

• Hooters chain seeks buyer; could fetch $250M [New York Post]