Hotspot catches cold as administrators brought in
Hooters in build bus t
tony. AUSTRALIA’S Hooters chain, including the recently opened restaurant in Townsville, is expected to be sold off after several companies associated with its operations fell into administration.
Insolvency and restructuring firm Deloitte has been appointed to manage the affairs of Hooters, which has five res- taurants in NSW and Queensland and employs 400 people, mostly scantily costumed waitresses who are employed as casuals.
While Deloitte restructuring service partner Michael Billingsley would not comment on the reasons for the group’s difficulties, Hooters has been beset by problems, ranging from complaints from staff they were not being paid superannuation or that their wages were late to the collapse of a builder who was fitting out their Townsville restaurant.
For now,
all restaurants … are trading normally
MICHAEL BILLINGSLEY
“It’s very early days as far as our involvement in these businesses is concerned,” Mr Billingsley said.
“For now, all restaurants in NSW and Queensland are trading normally while we begin investigating the performance of each business and determine the next steps.
“We expect to commence marketing the businesses for sale shortly with a view to selling as a going concern to maintain employment for staff and ongoing trading for suppliers.”
The Townsville restaurant on Hervey Range Rd opened in May after a lengthy delay.
It is reportedly regularly full of customers and appears to be trading strongly.
Sydney- based Deloitte partners Neil Cussen and David Lombe were appointed voluntary administrators to five companies that trade the Hooters restaurants.
According to company records, the Townsville entity, Hoot Townsville Pty Ltd, is owned by Nichole Schlebusch of Bella Vista, NSW.
An initial creditors’ meeting for the three Sydney restaurants will be held on July 24, while another will be held for the two Queensland restaurants on July 27.