The Founders of Hooters Are Making a Buddy-Comedy Movie About the Restaurant Chain's Origin Story
Yep, you read that right. Hooters: The Movie is in the early stages of pre-production, and some of the chain’s original founders are directly involved.
As reported by Deadline, the film is inspired by the “real events” behind Hooters’ creation, following best buds Ted and Lenny as they create a sprawling legacy for themselves with their famous ‘breastaurant’ chain — only to have their life’s work jeopardized by the US government.
Ted falls head over heels for a gal named Diane after seeing her on a TV commercial. Ted convinces Lenny to drive down with him to Clearwater Beach, Florida, where they recruit Diane to become the original Hooters Girl. The flick is described as part buddy comedy, part biopic that tells the “wild journey” of how the iconic American eatery got its start.
One of Hooters’ co-founders, Edward Droste, is both producing the film and co-authoring its screenplay. Jon Rosenbaum (Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls) is set to direct, and casting is already underway. Filming is scheduled to begin in November in Florida's Tampa and Clearwater areas, which is where the very first Hooters restaurant opened its doors all the way back in 1983.
“I think people are going to enjoy watching how we were really just some guys who didn’t know what we were doing, but had a great time doing it,” Droste said in a press release. “And of course, our world-famous Hooters Girls are the real stars. It’s time to deliver a taste of our big-hearted culture and famous humor to the world.”
“From the moment I first learned the Hooters origin story, I knew it would make an incredible movie,” Rosenbaum remarked. “It’s the perfect combination of a hilarious buddy comedy and an inspiring biopic for a beloved American brand: Two lifelong friends with no idea what they’re getting themselves into, a crazy idea they’re willing to bet everything on, and a wild journey that culminates in the creation of something bigger than they could ever have imagined. It’s not at all what people will be expecting – and it’s mostly true! I can’t wait to bring this story to life.”
If you’re unfamiliar, Hooters is a casual dining / sports bar chain known for its wings and its waitresses, young ladies who are often clad in white t-shirts and orange shorts. The chain was actually founded by six people: Lynn D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste. Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.
At the time of writing, there are around 200 locations within the US, and 60 internationally in areas including the Bahamas, the Czech Republic, Japan, Switzerland, and more.
Image credits: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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