Hooters fans lined up early for the opening of the new restaurant at Lake Deaton Plaza in The Villages.
Mark Eden of The Villages was at the front door at 8:30 a.m. Monday with his buddy, Don Bartlett, for the grand opening of the restaurant. They were the first ones to walk in when the doors were unlocked at 11 a.m. at Hooters.
“We were totally excited that they were opening one here so we don’t have to drive quite so far from here to get their wings,” Eden said.
Summer Abaranel is the general manager of the new Hooters restaurant. She has been with the chain for nine years and this is the second new restaurant she has opened for the company. She has staffed the restaurant with 70 employees, including 40 waitresses, for which the chain is famous.
Glen Briggs of Fruitland Park was accompanied by his wife Tyree and daughter, Meredith.
“I love the food and I am so happy I don’t have to drive to Ocala to get their wings,” Glenn Briggs said.
Tyree Briggs grew up near the original Hooters in Clearwater said she loves the Hooters’ menu.
“Even if you do not like their wings there is a lot to choose from including the quesadillas which are amazing,” Tyree Briggs said.
Hooters will be open seven days per week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.