(Insert hilarious breast-related intro quote here.)
According to Entrepreneur magazine, "Breastaurants" (yes, an actual term used to describe restaurants that sport scantily clad women as waitresses), are becoming one of the fastest- growing segments of the hospitality industry. And although sales figures for this nay-nay niche aren't available (they're lumped into the more general casual dining category), the magazine reports that sales at Hooters alone have increased in the past two years an average $1 billion annually.
I can see the reality show now, Billion Dollar Breastaurant.
Says Entrepreneur:
"The concept has grown in spite of the recession by focusing equally on upscale comfort food, full bars with extended beer choices, a full menu of sports on TV, and waitresses in tight shirts and short shorts. But the most important aspect of these restaurants is the same element that powers most successful eateries: customer service."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Customer service -- oh, that's rich.
While Hooters is probably the most notable breastaurant, let's not forget Tempe-based Celtic-themed sports bar Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. Tilted Kilt's CEO, Ron Lynch, explained his chain's concept to Entrepreneur magazine, including the difference between "sexy cute" and "sexy trash," and how his waitresses practice "touchology."
After pointing out Tilted Kilt's "sports-viewing excellence" which basically means plasma TVs, lots of libations, and food that ranges from snacks to steaks, Lynch admits to Entrepreneur that the real draw of the restaurant is the Tilted Kilt waitress.
"We make no bones about it -- that's what brings people in," Lynch said. "We sell on sex appeal, but we are sexy classy, sexy smart or sexy cute. Not sexy stupid or sexy trashy."
Lynch also goes on to talk about "touchology," a less-creepy-than-it-sounds exercise his waitresses practice that translates to touching a table often to make the guests feel welcome.
Why are breastaurants becoming so popular? Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, a food-industry consulting firm in Chicago, told Entrepreneur:
"They provide a service to men who may not have a person at home to take care of them in the same way. That's important to a number of people, and it drives them back."
What say you, breastaurant buzzers? Are breastaurants a result of the recession or is it ye ol' sexism again? Let us know what you think!
