Raver on January 21, 2010, at 04:05PM – #2

Heavy heavy sigh. 'Way to class up the joint.

anthony on January 21, 2010, at 04:31PM – #3

Hooters never succeeds in cities like LA because all the hot girls can make plenty of money as bartenders/servers/models at a normal restaurant/bar rather than have to wear those shorts. Go check out the Hooters in Burbank; not so nice.

RDC on January 21, 2010, at 06:25PM – #5

Hooters?? wow thats not a good thing for South Park or the Property. Mr Separzadeh please consider your property and the nieghborhhod in the long term and not just to rent out the space, Hooters does not give your property respect or class.

LA resident on January 21, 2010, at 06:47PM – #6

Come on everyone, its not as if they are bringing a strip club to town. If any of you were to visit either the Conga Room or the lucky strike bar, along with any of the other restaurants they have in LA Live you would see that the Hooter girl outfits are really not that bad. Why not look at things from the outside and realize just how much downtown LA is growing. Adding Hooters and the other two restaurants will just bring more and more poeple to the downtown nightlife, boosting the LA economy

Shawn on January 21, 2010, at 08:05PM – #7

It's amusing how Hooters is pretty much a family place in bible belt Florida, but in progressive LA it's too much of a corrupting influence. Hooters is very tame IMO.

John on January 21, 2010, at 09:01PM – #8

It is important developers like Mr. Separzadeh to move forward with their projects instead of putting them on hold. Otherwise our economy will NEVER improve. We need more developers to step up and take chances!

Bert Green on January 21, 2010, at 09:09PM – #9

The north side of that building has an old, painted "Studebaker" sign still visible (although not in great shape).

Purple Haze on January 21, 2010, at 10:31PM – #10

How about a Cajooters next door? You know that all of the waiters would be muscled, equipped with low-hangers.

Equal's equal.

Carlos Montano on January 21, 2010, at 11:44PM – #11

I am not much of a fan of Hooters, but I am all for restoring the facade to its 1920's look, and utilizing the space for commercial purposes, as opposed to laying dormant. I would love to see this building retrofitted. It would be nice if another establishment went in, but in the end, it's just what I would like to see.

Amy on January 22, 2010, at 02:28AM – #12

Oh please, any other restaurant besides Hooters.

Sean McElwain on January 22, 2010, at 04:17AM – #13

To Bert: Good point about the Studebaker sign on the side. That is what immediatley came to mind when I read this article. One of those historical curiousities of downtown that I love.

I will be sure to take a few pictures of the sign now. Which I dont doubt would be sand blasted the minute this place is has a new tenant.

7th st rain on January 22, 2010, at 06:17AM – #14

MAN why NOT CHILLIES! haha am I the only ones who longs for some baby back ribs lol!

DawnC on January 22, 2010, at 09:50AM – #15

Ugh, Hooters? Seriously? The main thing I find offensive about their outfits are the nylons with shorts and socks. Way to take downtown back to the early suburban 90's. What's next? Walmart and Applebees?

I'd take Jumbo's trannies over some failed cheerleader serving Buffalo wings any day.

El Bossi on January 22, 2010, at 09:59AM – #16

Um, a bit uptight are we? Wow, Hooters is a "theme" bar/grill people. If anything, it's good to give ESPN Zone some competition in regards to price. ESPN Zone borders on the edge of being an "elitist" sports bar. Wings, beer, sports action and a good time is what Hooters brings. And at a moderate price. LA Live is already consumed by "premium" eating places that, in my opinion, don't all live up to the hype. Anaheim has a Hooters right across the way from its stadium and it's a pre-stop location for a lot of sports fans if not the primary place people watch the game. Lighten up and give it a chance.

DawnC on January 22, 2010, at 10:08AM – #17

"Anaheim has a Hooters" ... so why would you ever need to leave there to come here?

Why do people want everywhere in America to look like everywhere else in America?

Jeremy H on January 22, 2010, at 10:49AM – #18

DawnC, you do understand the concept of "franchise" don't you? Hooters isn't the best thing to come our way, but it's not the worst. Big Wangs will actually be pretty awesome downtown. I love that DTLA has options now. Anyone who's been down there lately knows that it's actually become a great place to hang out and even walk around at a night (pending you know where and where not to be). I think I'm seeing some "uptight" one's on this post as well, lol.

DawnC on January 22, 2010, at 11:16AM – #19

Just because I understand something doesn't mean I have to like it. Target is something we could really use, Hooters is something I'd like to avoid.

So far most of "franchises" in South Park have at least been small and unusual ones. Hooters is just the most boring, white trash idea I can think of. I think you're confusing taste with "being uptight".

Now if you had a place with Derby Dolls as the servers, I could get behind that. Those girls are much hotter and it would be uniquely LA.

Or there's always Sam's Hofbrau http://www.yelp.com/biz/sams-hofbrau-los-angeles

bepositive on January 22, 2010, at 11:36AM – #20

Can't people just be positive about new things coming in. If you don't like it, don't go, but no matter what, we should wish the best for any new business for Downtown, we need to be supportive, all new business for DTLA is good for everyone... I mean, let's be negative all the time and the sit back and watch DT fail, and see where that gets us.

DawnC on January 22, 2010, at 12:42PM – #21

bepositive, I see your point but something about the idea of Hooters makes me so damn angry! For the record, I've been very supportive of new businesses in downtown with my patronage and with bringing friends from other areas to them.

Meh, go ahead an turn South Park into a Mall of America, I'll take refuge in the Historic Core and Arts District.

Raver on January 22, 2010, at 02:12PM – #23

There are better uses for the property and better venues for the area. This stated totally aside from my personal opinions on hOOters and franchises.

But, if ya WANT to litter Downtown with franchises, there's a whole slew we can draw from. Oh let's not limit ourselves to hOOters. Should it include a play area for when the Lakers win to help prevent looting? Gosh - that would take out options like The Cheesacake Factory, Olive Garden, and Country Home Buffet.

Rich Alossi on January 22, 2010, at 04:01PM – #24

BTW, the building is currently planned to hold up to FOUR restaurant venues, only one of which would be Hooters.

Vero Queero on January 22, 2010, at 04:03PM – #25

Because I am. Oh, sorry...already used that one. Um... not a big fan of Hooters but I do like choice and variety. I think we can accommodate a few franchises as long as we keep some balance with mom & pop places. If anyplace in Downtown could support a Hooters, it's being across from Staples. Plus it's great to see the old building go to reuse & not demolition. Even this judgmental gay gives it a semi-reluctant thumbs up. Bring on Hooters! Then a block away, I'm going to open up a rival: Bananas! (you can imagine the theme)

Chris on January 23, 2010, at 01:04PM – #27

I like the idea, more sports options and at a much lower price for the average sports fan who doesn't want to spend $40 on meal and a drink at ESPN Zone or Yard House. Hooters in middle class, and most sports fans are just that. If you don't like it, go watch sports and eat bad food at one of the other more expensive options.

Could Be Worse on January 23, 2010, at 09:27PM – #28

Didn't Tom Gilmore want to develop the space at Fourth/Spring into a gentleman's club until LAPD said no new permits for such establishments would be issued Downtown?

And people think a Hooters near LA Live is out of place?

redman on January 23, 2010, at 10:39PM – #29

this is PRECISELY what we need here, more commercial businesses, and a hooters serves a great demographic - the post-game mob of bros who are all rowdied up and in need of... some wings

JDRCRASHER on January 23, 2010, at 11:15PM – #30

Aren't there plans for a few towers here, Eric? I think it's called "South Figueroa".

JM on January 24, 2010, at 02:46AM – #31

We can get a Hooters but we can't get a Target?

Aaron on January 24, 2010, at 11:42AM – #33

As much as Hooters is the typical franchise that may not add anything "unique" to the area, it's one small plot of land and if it brings more people to the area then why not? I think it will do extremely well being right across from Staples. It is in no way "trashy", it's a themed sports bar. South Park is supposed to be the SPORTS and entertainment district.

Yocomprendo on January 24, 2010, at 07:59PM – #35

"DawnC"=I completely understand you, and you express my sentiments exactly. I like the "Cahooters" idea too. And for that idea, I envision a mixed crowd, ...where at the end of the evening, the hired help breaks into a Chippendale's finale. Gee whiz.

LA Live is for tourists and out-of-towners anyway.

To DawnC and the Cahooters author,.... meet you at the Alexandria.

Boo on January 25, 2010, at 05:05AM – #36

Is there a chance we're getting a Target (please)?

DawnC on January 25, 2010, at 08:46AM – #37

It's a deal Yocomprendo!

I also agree that the area needs more retail.

JM on January 25, 2010, at 09:35AM – #38

More and more I'm getting the feeling that Downtown's just here for the amusement of out-of-towners or for a quick dash from Westsiders under cover of night. Everyone enjoys the restaurants and bars, and every week there seems to be a new one. Great, but for the life of me I don't get why we can't get a few businesses geared at residents. We have critical mass now: it's safe, people are interested, there are plenty of residents and workers. What more do you need to open a Whole Foods, a Trader Joe's or some token nod towards residents who brought life to this area?? I'm not advocating for big box stores Downtown (although I'm sure they'll come to the Figueroa corridor between Downtown and USC at some point), but I just don't understand how we can be talking about a Hooters near LA Live, but still just the one grocery store for the thousands who live and work here. I don't care either way if they build a Hooters, but it's insulting that that's the best we can do.

Downtownie on January 25, 2010, at 11:26AM – #39

[sarcasm]I'm so very glad that South Park is becoming the next downtown Disney.[/sarcasm] Seriously? The best thing about my neighborhood is the tiny, obscure and unique restaurants and shops a la Nickel Diner, Cole's, Casey's, 7 Grand etc. Keep your common junk out of my historically rich neighborhood.

Stuff on January 25, 2010, at 02:57PM – #40

Wow....who would have thought...NIMBYs in DTLA.

Negative Nancy on January 25, 2010, at 04:22PM – #41

I love that Downtown keeps attracting new businesses, but I agree with Downtownie here. All I can think is ORANGE COUNTY whenever I hear about this stuff. Turning a building from the 20's in to a Hooters and/or other corporate chain just doesn't seem like its doing the area justice.

To be fair, maybe I should give up faith in uniqueness and character and live with the fact that places like CPK and Hooters is what attract out of towners and that is what is necessary to succeed.

JM on January 25, 2010, at 10:30PM – #42

NIMBYism and gentrification Downtown? Really? Maybe reverse NIMBYs we be...

JP1 on January 26, 2010, at 10:04AM – #43

We all should be glad that in this economy there are people like Mr. Separzadeh trying to bring business and new jobs to the area. Not everyone is investing in downtown these days.... The city officials should be glad that despite the economic climate, developers are hard at work! For those who like Target in the area: I will buy the piece of land next to Mr. Separzadeh's and open a three story high end Target. Now let's see if the city grants me the permits!!

John on January 26, 2010, at 10:24AM – #44

It is great to see people investing in commercial real estate and in the future of downtown LA. We need more developers and investor to do this so get our economy moving again.

RE on January 26, 2010, at 10:37AM – #45

Whats wrong with you guys? We are going through some of the most difficult economic times most of us will ever see. We are lucky to still have an investor that's willing to take the risk and help give a boost to our neighborhood. Who cares that it's a Hooters? What can be better than building a sports bar directly across the street from Staples??? A Target or Trader Joes or Whole Foods would fail in that location.

JDRCRASHER on January 26, 2010, at 12:07PM – #46

I agree with the 3 previous posters; we need this, along with whatever else may come to this building.

Ruben on January 26, 2010, at 09:31PM – #48

It is a good thing that there are still developers trying to create entertainment and jobs. We are living in times in which we are lucky for jobs to be available. There are still risk takers like Mayer and for that I congragulate him. You can never make everyone happy, you will always have the negative and the positive , but at the end of the day you have another location that will create some jobs in the community.

Martha on January 27, 2010, at 09:38PM – #49

I must agree with Ruben! Keep up the good work Mr. Separzadeh. I shall visit your restaurant when is completed. Let's keep our economy moving. Enough said!

Staples on January 31, 2010, at 06:58PM – #50

The more options the better and keeping Hooters across Staples and out of a residential neighborhood makes a lot of sense.

Guest on October 13, 2010, at 11:16AM – #51

i agree with guest 15 if you dont like it then dont go to it period. to let a new business make you so angry kinda makes me laugh nobody is harming you they are simply trying to add some business back into la and trust me there are alot worse things that could be in its place like a strip club how would you feel then? i say more power to the themed bar and bring on the hooters.