If you thought the penetration of American restaurant culture in Vietnam was complete with the arrival of McDonald’s last year, you’re in for a surprise.
Hooters, the American chain specializing in buffalo wings and scantly clad waitresses is planning to open 30 outlets in Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam over the next six years, according to the South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong will serve as the launching pad for the company's new Asian expansion with the city’s first location set to open later this year. The company currently operates outlets in Shanghai, Phuket, Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Florida and currently has about 400 eateries in 27 countries worldwide. It has been subject to a number of lawsuits and investigations related to its women-only hiring practices.
Given the popularity of bars and restaurants staffed by “hot girls” in Vietnam, it’s easy to imagine a successful launch for the franchise.
