Ya Gotta Be Kiddin' Me
Last week it was Pizza Hut. This week I’m talkin’ about another classic American restaurant franchise that’s rebooting its image and repositioning itself in the market. Yep, Hooters.
The New York Times just ran a piece with the headline “Hooters Says Bring The Kids.” Business has slipped in recent years, and now they are “re-Hooterizing” the place as a casual spot with a family-friendly vibe.
The obvious question: is Hooter’s an appropriate place for kids? Guess it's up to the parents, but so far it looks like it’s having some success. The menu is certainly kid friendly. The Times asked one kid who was in there with his Little League baseball team what his favorite thing about Hooter’s was. He started laughing his head off and said, “the wings.” Then all his buddies started howling. Yeah right, kiddo.
All this reminds me of one of their great old TV spots from the 90s, back when you could still have a lot of fun with advertising. Check out this classic from the “Lose At Baseball? Go To Hooters” campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TIenvJO0AY
Christ, if I ever walked in the joint, I’d be wearing a fedora and big sunglasses. Remember, I used to be an altar boy. But like my old buddy—and the other last lion of advertising—John Garvey, and I say about three times a week: fun sells. And it’s in short supply out there. Keep your dukes up.
If you know someone who’d like these ditties in their inbox every week, have ‘em shoot us an email at darbyo@darbyobrien.com and we’ll add ‘em to the list.