Nicaragua-based developer Luis Felipe Lacayo and his savvy team join the growing list of international Hooters franchisees
Hooters of America, LLC, today announced an international development agreement to open three new Hooters locations in Honduras and Nicaragua over the next three years. Nicaragua-based developer Luis Felipe Lacayo leads a franchise development team of experienced business professionals and restaurateurs. The first Hooters location is slated to open in Managua, Nicaragua, in late 2015.
“By adding Nicaragua and expanding into Honduras, nearly every country in Central America will have a Hooters presence,” said Erik Premont, senior director of market development for the Americas, Hooters of America. “This growth opportunity continues terrific momentum for our brand and creates synergy with existing Latin American franchise partners with whom we’ve already established success.”
Lacayo brings a diverse background of experience with businesses in recycling, exportation, construction, investment, insurance and Nicaragua’s largest toy chain and distributor, TOYS. His wife, Ana Marcela Miranda, will manage all marketing functions for the new Hooters restaurants.
“We are 100 percent committed to making Hooters a household name and resounding success in Nicaragua and Honduras,” said Miranda. “When it comes to well-equipped sports-viewing destinations in Nicaragua that cater to the entire family, we recognized a void that needed to be filled. In a country that absolutely loves sports, Hooters was a perfect match. We wanted to bring something different and exciting to the community here, and we believe both Nicaragua and Honduras markets to be primed and ideal for Hooters locations.”
Also on the franchise development team, Nydia Cruz Pierson comes from generations of Nicaraguan entrepreneurs, including her son, Bernard Pierson. Most recently involved in the furniture trade, she brings vast knowledge and business acumen to the group. Rounding out the ambitious team is seasoned marketing and operations professional, Valentina A. Harding Rosales, whose experience and local knowledge of the dining industry brings valuable insights to the group. Harding Rosales is a current shareholder for Deli Pollo, the operator of several fast food restaurant chains in the Nicaragua market, and oversees all marketing, sales, operations, quality control, project development, franchise development and new business for that brand.
This development agreement comes as Hooters of America is hosting its annual Latin America franchisee conference in Panama this week. The event allows Hooters executives to meet with Hooters franchisees from the region and collaborate to discuss business updates. It’s also an opportunity for all parties to align on goals, strategies and best practices.
Hooters is implementing a vigorous growth plan that calls for an additional 150 new locations worldwide over the next five years. Hooters is continually opening restaurants and is actively seeking qualified franchise partners to open new locations in select markets across the U.S. and around the globe. For more information about becoming a Hooters franchisee, visit http://franchising.hooters.com.
For more information about Hooters, visit www.hooters.com.
Hooters of America, LLC, is the franchisor and operator of over 415 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 26 foreign countries. Known for its world famous Hooters Style chicken wings, the first Hooters opened its doors in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Expectations were so modest at the time that the simple fact the doors opened was deemed worthy of a toast. Since then millions have been liberated from the ordinary at Hooters while enjoying great food, fun and one-of-a-kind hospitality that can only be served up by the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow at www.Twitter.com/Hooters, www.Facebook.com/Hooters or www.Instagram.com/Hooters.
