Hooters to open in Emperors Palace

US-based Chanticleer Holdings Inc has announced plans to open its fourth Hooters outlet in South Africa, this one in the Emperors Palace Casino Resort in Johannesburg.

The Hooters Emperors Palace will be fully owned and operated by Chanticleer Holdings and is slated to open in December 2011. The new restaurant will be the company’s fourth Hooters in South Africa and second in Johannesburg, with additional restaurants in Durban and Cape Town.

Michael Pruitt, CEO of Chanticleer Holdings, stated, “By leveraging our success operating and collaborating with our partners on Hooters restaurants in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, we are confident that we can not only thrive as owner and operator of the Emperors Palace Hooters, but also provide the people of Johannesburg with the same great food, fun and experience associated with the Hooters’ brand.”

The original trio of restaurants was part of Chanticleer Holdings’ joint venture with SG Shaw Food Pty of Durban, who sold their shares of the venture to Chanticleer in September 2011. Chanticleer hopes to open at least three additional Hooters restaurants in South Africa over the next five years but believes there is a much greater opportunity in this region and other emerging markets around the world.

“We are delighted to welcome Hooters restaurant to the Emperors Palace family. We believe that Hooters will attract its own loyal patrons and families and will become a unique attraction for Emperors Palace visitors,” says Nigel Atherton, Emperors Palace deputy chief operating officer.

Emperors Palace, a Peermont property, is situated alongside OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and has four hotels, plus a huge variety of casino, conference, dining and entertainment facilities.

Pruitt concludes, “The Emperors Palace was the perfect choice for Chanticleer’s first solely owned Hooters location. The amazing location, exciting events and gaming options combined with the family-friendly atmosphere will be the perfect complement to Hooters’ own standards and values.”