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Practically Speaking

Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers’ perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.

A Hooters in Brookfield? So much for image

By Kyle Prast
Monday, Oct 13 2008, 03:53 PM

Adios Pedro's. Hola Hooters. UGH

We learned last week that Hooters restaurant won the auction for the bankrupt Pedro's restaurant. So much for Brookfield's image. 

A Brookfield Hooters makes an Aldis* look good, doesn't it? 

And what concerns the City of Brookfield with the prospect of Hooters? What goes on inside the building? No, the design and the color.

The city that pushed to have McDonald's abandon its Golden Arches and a grocer to paint over an objectionable shade of orange may have new challenges with an unexpected national restaurant chain coming to Brookfield: Hooters.

... 

He [Hooter's VP] said the chain would work with Brookfield to meet the city's architectural requirements as it renovates the building's exterior.

Dan Ertl, city development director, said he expected that, like McDonald's and other national chain restaurants that have sought to operate in Brookfield, Hooters "will most likely have to adjust their corporate architectural design to meet the standards of Brookfield, if not the landlord."

The chain's trademark bright orange might draw complaints from city plan commissioners who insisted that Fresh Market, an upscale grocer near Brookfield Square mall, repaint an orange trim to a more yellow color.

Alderman Jerry Melone did express some concerns over the Hooters franchise; other aldermen might have objected too. But the bottom line is, I don't think there is much the city can do to deter them from locating here. I can't picture them denying a  liquor license.

Let's face it, many other Brookfield businesses might go on the auction block in this troubled economy. What other unsavory businesses might be the winning bidder that the City of Brookfield would never have given the time of day before?

My family frequented The Bombay Bicycle Club and then Pedro's for lunch after church. Needless to say, Hooter's will not inherit our past patronage of that location. How about you?

"What do you think of Hooters coming to Brookfield? Share your views in an interactive forum at BrookfieldNOW.com."

With so many other more tasteful choices on Bluemound, it will be interesting to see if Hooters makes a go of it. Looking through the comments, people are split on whether the food is good or not. Time will tell. 

 

*The controversial Aldi's was in the Town of Brookfield, not the City. 

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.

Links: 

 

counter hit xanga

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Mark Levin,  Vicki Mckenna

Comments

mick   

I never really considered the Bluemound commercial mess as my "image" of Brookfield. I always think of the nice homes, hard-working people, good schools, etc. I'm not sure most people will associate Hooters with a Brookfield image. It's more representative of how over developed Bluemound Road has become over the years. Hooters, like all commercial establishments, will rise or fall on patronage. In the overall scheme of things of importance I place Hooters quite far down my list.

Kyle's reply: Bluemound is a mess and other areas aren't far behind. Since Brookfield has a no "big box" store policy, I just find it rather ironic that after years of trying to control everything--including how many attractive pictures of cars they will allow the new Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler dealer on Capitol to display--that a Hooters snuck in! Brookfield's plan commission for example was very particular about the new restaurants and retail at Brookfield Square--they HAD to have a false 2nd story.

October 13, 2008 4:56 PM

Jack Shaw   

Just  curious, have you ever been in a Hooters?

Kyle's reply: Funny, Jack. No. Have you? (Years ago I had been to Frenchy's for a Christmas party--fish net stockings and short French maid outfits and all.) I did go to the Hooters website to get a sense of their interior decor and waitress' attire though.

As a rule, I try not to frequent "tacky" and "unrefined" places. (Their words, not mine.) Plus, when I am dining, the only breast I want to see is from a chicken and it is on my plate. 

October 13, 2008 5:16 PM

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