Hooters eyes airline buy; 'Girls' could take to skies

Nation's Restaurant News, August 26, 2002

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- A bankruptcy court judge here granted Hooters of America chairman Robert H. Brooks' request to fund dormant Vanguard Airlines temporarily through a new company called Hooters Air Inc. while he evaluates a potential acquisition, the Associated Press reported.

Brooks' potential plans for the airline were not clear. However, the AP quoted Vanguard spokeswoman Elizabeth Cattell as saying, "If it'll be 'Hooters Girls' flight attendants, it's too early," but she didn't dismiss the idea.

Brooks, whose Atlanta-based chain comprises about 315 restaurants in 41 states and Asia, Latin America, Europe and Canada, was permitted by the court to pay $50,000 a week for three weeks to Vanguard. The carrier, one of three airlines to declare bankruptcy this year, filed for protection from creditors after suspending its 16-plane fleet's flights to 15 cities from its Kansas City hub.