Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., November 06, 2008 Cheshvan 8, 5769 | | Israel Time: 02:58 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate U.S. election Travel Week's End Anglo File

Hooters Netanya eatery closing its doors By Ido Solomon and Adi Dovrat After less than a year in operation, the Israeli branch of the U.S.-based restaurant chain known for its waitresses' scanty attire, Hooters, is closing down. The Israeli branch opened for business with much fanfare and media attention on a 350-square meter site at Poleg Junction near Netanya in December 2007. Advertisement Hooters will become another grim statistic: Only two of every ten eateries that open in Israel survive their first year of operation. The Israeli franchise owner Ofer Ahiraz said he is negotiating to open another branch, this time in Tel Aviv. He added that all the Netanya branch's workers received prior notice and they will receive their full salaries on time next week. But he declined further comment. Two and a half months ago Ahiraz was reported to be seeking a business partner, and even negotiating with a number of parties, whom he declined to identify. He said he plans to open four Hooters restaurants over the next few years - in Tel Aviv, Rishon Letzion, Eilat and Haifa. Ahiraz added that he is considering applying for a franchise license to open the chain in the Balkans as well. He has this option, he says, because of the U.S. home office's general satisfaction with the Israeli branch. Ahiraz denied rumors that he is seeking a partner to provide financial backing for expanding the chain. The Hooters brand has more than 450 branches worldwide - 110 are operated by the chain and the rest are franchises. Hooters of America reported sales of about $1 billion in 2007. In addition to restaurants, the brand publishes a monthly magazine and holds an annual swimsuit contest with the participation of all its branches worldwide. An Israeli took part in the most recent ceremony last month. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Never walk alone It's safe to assume that Obama won't abandon Israel. Apprehensive in Israel Rightist MK Aryeh Eldad warns 'Israel should be wary of Barack Obama'

Read & React Bradley Burston: For Republicans, 2 words of advice and comfort Responses: 244 Barack Obama: Change has come to America Responses: 139 Hamas vows to maintain truce, as 35 Qassams hit Negev Responses: 340 Editorial: U.S. election is example of democracy at its best Responses: 122 Arab commentators want to be able to admire America again Responses: 82 More Headlines 01:43 Gaza gunman killed in IAF strike on Qassam squad 01:47 Obama kick-starts transition, picks Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff 01:53 Rightist MK: Israel should be wary of Barack Obama 20:10 Iran: Obama's victory proves 'failure of Bush's policies' 21:56 ANALYSIS / It's safe to assume that Obama won't abandon Israel 00:13 Close to end of term, Rice embarks on Mideast peacemaking trip 21:54 Openly gay Jewish candidate makes history with Colorado win 21:57 Arab commentators want to be able to admire America again 14:56 ANALYSIS / Israel's dilemma: Obama vs. Qassams 15:02 Barack Obama wins 77 percent of Jewish vote, exit polls show 19:21 Golan residents launch PR offensive as Syria talks loom 15:49 Police trying to disperse East Jerusalem rioters in house demolition row Previous Editions Select Day 05 nov 04 nov 03 nov 02 nov 31 oct 30 oct 29 oct 28 oct 27 oct 26 oct 24 oct 23 oct

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