Iconic brand continues zealous growth with sites set domestically
As a part of an overarching commitment to growth, Hooters of America, LLC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Sweetman as senior director of domestic development. Sweetman will spearhead the development efforts in expanding Hooters domestic growth, which includes plans for over 50 new franchise locations in the next five years.
“Steve’s wealth of experience and restaurant industry knowledge will lead Hooters domestic growth as we continue to expand in markets like Pennsylvania, Ohio, western New York, the upper Midwest and the Pacific Northwest,” said Mark Whittle, senior vice president of global development, Hooters of America. “With Steve’s leadership we’re excited to cultivate new franchise relationships, building new locations to satisfy the nation’s hunger for delicious Hooters wings.”
Since Hooters unveiled a new contemporary restaurant design with the remodeled Hooters of Kirby, Texas, and the ground-up prototype Hooters of Slidell, La., in 2013, Hooters has had their eyes on growth and remodeling. By the end of 2015, Hooters will have remodeled over 70 corporate locations, with additional plans to refresh more than 50 Hooters corporate and franchise locations annually over the next few years. Overall growth plans include development of more than 150 new Hooters locations worldwide over the next five years.
Sweetman has an extensive background in franchise development, recently serving as a director of franchise sales at Wingstop where he was responsible for securing franchise deals for the franchisor. During his tenure, he was instrumental in increasing new unit growth.
Prior to his experience at Wingstop, Sweetman worked with Focus Brands as director of real estate, executing strategic growth planning in real estate for corporate and franchise development, overseeing annual development for Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s Deli locations. Also a former franchise partner with Carvel and Jersey Mike’s, Sweetman has the unique experience of someone on both sides as a franchisee and franchisor.
For more information about becoming a Hooters franchisee, visit www.hooters.com/Company/franchise. For more information about Hooters, visit www.hooters.com.
Hooters of America, LLC, is the franchisor and operator of over 400 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 27 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 us at www.Twitter.com/Hooters, www.Facebook.com/Hooters or www.Instagram.com/Hooters.
