After years of waiting, the citizens of Bakersfield finally have their own Hooters. The restaurant finally opened its doors Oct. 26.?
The popular restaurant chain, which is commonly known for hot wings and busty waitresses, was scheduled to open two years ago, but the grand opening was pushed back due to numerous delays.?
Customers were lined up outside, waiting to get in for the majority of the day. Patrons filled the entire establishment from opening at 11 a.m. to the end of the Monday Night Football game between the Eagles and the Redskins.?
Eunice Renteria, Hooters manager, has been more than pleased with the turnout in the first week of business at the new Bakersfield location.
“Grand opening was actually crazy. We had a line to the end of the building. We had an amazing week, open to close,” said Renteria.
Hooters’ large crowds continued to file in until closing time but the long-awaited grand opening was almost spoiled by a huge flood just west of the new hot spot.?
Capt. Brandon Smith of the Kern County Fire Department confirmed that a vehicle heading westbound on Rosedale Highway struck a fire hydrant at approximately 7 p.m.
“It definitely slowed [traffic] down for a little bit, but for the most part it didn’t affect it,” said Smith.
Even with slowed traffic due to the massive amount of water pouring onto Rosedale Highway, business wasn’t really affected at Bakersfield’s newest restaurant.
“I was inside from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and it was so busy in here that I don’t think anyone noticed anything going on outside,” said Renteria.
Capt. Smith shared that the accident was fairly minor and was cleaned up relatively quickly.
“It happens periodically,” explained Smith.
No accident was going to rain on Hooters’ parade. Renteria was very pleased with the turnout and is excited for what is to come for the new restaurant.
“We still have our trainers down from Sacramento just to have experienced girls on the floor,” said Renteria.
While Bakersfield has had new additions of popular restaurants such as BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, P.F. Chang’s and Famous Dave’s, none have been anticipated as highly as the Hooters restaurant.
Hooters is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. They close at midnight on the weekends.