I always feel like I need a drivers license that says "McLovin" when I come to Hooters. No, I don't…read moreknow why either.
And when I say "always" I've only been to three, one in Nashville, one in Las Vegas, and one in Tokyo (which completely defeated the purpose, but was still fun). Just like every other American franchise that comes to Australia (TGI Fridays, Outback Steakhouse), our version is never as good as their version. The food is Americana, but it's pretty basic versions of their most famous dishes - chicken wings where at least 3 of the 20 I got were refrigerator-cold, 911 hot sauce that didn't burn my face off like the one in Vegas did, a bowl of potato gems covered in melted Kraft-like cheese, ribs that leave you wanting more for a reason you can't quite put your finger on.
It ain't cheap, either. The steaks and ribs run up to 30, 40, 50 bucks, and it's no Porteno. And there are immense amounts of TVs cluttering the place. I know, I know, sports bar, but 29 televisions? Come on. Sadly, another example of a franchise where the brand gives them license to charge OTT prices while ignoring customer experience.