Hooters makes a Newport comeback

Paul Clinton

Hooters is back.

After being closed for less than one month, the self-described

“delightfully tacky,” risque sports bar returns to the peninsula.

Hooters, at 2406 Newport Blvd., is set to reopen next week under

the banner of a new franchisee.

“This is by far the best location ever,” said Scott Yarnall, the

store’s new manager. “We’re going to do well here.”

Incorporated franchisee Hoot Winc LLC, which runs 14 other Hooters in four states, took over the business from local owner Ken Poole,

the building’s landlord said.

Steven James, the property and building owner, negotiated a lease

termination deal with Poole, who had become embroiled in a lawsuit

with Hooters of America Inc.

Poole hadn’t held to the terms laid out in his franchise deal with

the Hooters parent, James said.

Under the terms of his initial franchise agreement, Poole had

agreed to open five stores in six years. But Poole closed up his

Costa Mesa Hooters on Anton Boulevard near South Coast Plaza two

years ago and hadn’t opened any others.

“He was not running it the way Hooters would like it run,” James

said. “He was mired in lawsuits.”

As a result, the sports bar had lost its luster, even developing a

kiss-of-death reputation around town as a sports bar that served

lukewarm beer. Poole put little money into maintaining the building.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, was Poole’s last stand. He closed it and

left town.

Within two days of posting a “for rent” sign, James was swamped

with offers from restaurateurs from all over the Southland hoping to

land the prime location.

James said he fielded more than 150 calls over a two-week period

and netted five offers to purchase and four offers to lease.

He chose Hoot Winc’s proposal because it provided for the easiest

transition for the property. The group agreed to put more than

$100,000 into the building improvements.

* PAUL CLINTON covers the environment, business and politics. He

may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail at

paul.clinton@latimes.com.