Hooters World Wide Wing Commander Passes
Today, Atlanta based Hooters of America announced that Chairman of the Board Robert H. Brooks has passed away. Mr. Brooks who was affectionately referred to as Hooters World Wide Wing Commander died in his home in Myrtle Beach, SC on Sunday, July 16th from natural causes. He was 69 years old. He is survived by his wife Tami Brooks, son Coby Brooks, daughter Boni Belle Brooks and step children Jerrett and Christi Oates. Mr. Brooks also had a son Mark Brooks who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1993 along with Hooters sponsored NASCAR star Alan Kulwicki.
Today, Atlanta based Hooters of America announced that Chairman of the Board Robert H. Brooks has passed away. Mr. Brooks who was affectionately referred to as Hooters World Wide Wing Commander died in his home in Myrtle Beach, SC on Sunday, July 16th from natural causes. He was 69 years old. He is survived by his wife Tami Brooks, son Coby Brooks, daughter Boni Belle Brooks and step children Jerrett and Christi Oates. Mr. Brooks also had a son Mark Brooks who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1993 along with Hooters sponsored NASCAR star Alan Kulwicki.Mr. Brooks was a legendary business figure of almost mythical proportions. He founded Naturally Fresh Foods in Atlanta, GA in 1966 and is credited with the development of non-dairy coffee creamer and preservative free refrigerated dressings in grocery store produce sections through this highly successful venture. Today the company continues to operate successfully manufacturing and distributing dressing's sauces and dips in all 50 states. While most men would be happy with this success Mr. Brooks added to his fame when he acquired a small Tampa Bay area restaurant concept called Hooters in 1986. Over the past 20 years the chain has grown into a multi national success with over 430 locations in 46 states and 20 countries including China, Australia and Greece. Mr. Brooks showed an uncanny ability at creating awareness for his restaurant venture. Hooters sponsored an independent owner stock car driver from Wisconsin named Alan Kulwicki and won the NASCAR Championship in 1992. He also was instrumental in the launching of a Magazine, Pro Golf Tour, Stock Car Racing Series, Credit Card and Casino under the Hooters name. However, it was his foray into aviation that truly captured the public's interest when he launched Hooters Air in 2003. High fuel prices and a sagging industry eventually limited the airline to flying Charters but not before he had garnered millions of dollars in publicity for his now famous brand.
A native of Loris, SC, Mr. Brooks found fame not only in making money but in giving it away as well. His Alma Mater Clemson University has been the beneficiary of his generosity and through the years he was one of the athletic department's largest boosters. The University's campus is home to the state of the art Brooks Center for the Performing Arts building. Following the death of his son Mark in 1993, Brooks underwrote the creation of the Brooks Motorsports Institute which has provided Clemson with the best interdisciplinary program for the study of the Motorsports industry in the country. Mr. Brooks also supported his home community of Myrtle Beach. In 2003, Coastal Carolina University honored their biggest supporter by naming their new football facility Brooks Stadium. In 1992 Brooks created HOO.C.E.F. The Hooters Community Endowment Fund which since its creation has donated over $8 million to local and national charities such as Juvenile Diabetes, The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Special Olympics.
While Brooks gave away millions, he may be best known for the return of $200. Following a Congressional Report in June of 2006 on the waste of tax payer funds from F.E.M.A. following Hurricane Katrina it came to light that money intended to help the victims of that disaster had purchased a bottle of expensive champagne at a Hooters. Upon learning of this, Brooks offered to reimburse F.E.M.A. the $200 and a few days later sent them a check saying "even if it is my restaurant it's still not right." The gesture contributed to his folklore status and generated praise from government officials.
Three years ago, Mr. Brooks named his son Coby Brooks, age 37, as President and CEO of Hooters of America. Since that time Mr. Brooks has removed himself from the day-to-day operations of the company and focused on long term strategic matters. "My father was our visionary and he will be greatly missed. However, with the team that we assembled I am confident that we can continue on and grow the Hooters brand into something my father would be proud of," stated the younger Brooks.
Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 430 Hooters restaurants in 46 states and 20 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters is well known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.
Web site: http://www.hooters.com/
