Hooters aims to cut ties with partner over poor conditions

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) – The Georgia-based parent company of Hooters restaurants says in a federal lawsuit that two of its East Coast establishments have been abandoned and one was operated in filthy conditions, turning off customers and damaging the national brand.

Hooters of America on Monday filed the lawsuit against Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, which has operated 12 Hooters restaurants in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware and Pennsylvania, all under franchise agreements.

Hooters’ parent company says the franchise operator violated its agreement by abandoning restaurants in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Hooters’ parent firm says the Warwick restaurant deteriorated to a “deplorable” condition, voluntarily closing for upgrades after a Rhode Island Department of Health inspection.

Officials with Hooters and Hoot Owl didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.