The restaurant chain founded on October 4, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida, is Hooters. That date marks the opening of the first Hooters restaurant, established by six Clearwater businessmen.
The original location occupied a former rundown nightclub, and the founders reportedly treated the venture as a long shot. They even placed a small “graveyard” outside to commemorate businesses that had previously failed at the site. Contrary to a common shortcut, April 1, 1983, was the incorporation date for Hooters, Inc.; October 4 was the opening date of the first restaurant.
Hooters became known for chicken wings, beer, sports-bar presentation, and its distinctive service concept. Its name is a double entendre involving an owl’s hoot and an American slang term. The brand later expanded through separate corporate and franchise operations, while the original Clearwater-based group retained ties to the first restaurants.