Hooters Hong Kong to face legal action from unpaid rent

Again accused of failing to keep abreast of rent payments, Hooters Hong Kong is facing legal action and eviction from its Wyndham Street premises in Central.

A writ filed by landlord Dor Fook last week says the American restaurant chain has failed to pay nearly HK$1.52 million (US$194,300) in rent since October.

The document says Hooters Restaurants signed a 10-year lease in March 2016 for its ground-floor venue, agreeing to pay $330,000 a month for the first year. It also signed a five-year lease for a room above the shop, agreeing to a monthly rent of $24,000 for the first year.

Known for its buxom female servers in skimpy outfits, the restaurant is accused of not paying its rent and rates for the two spaces, constituting a repudiation of the lease.

Seeking to repossess the premises, the landlord will also claim $371,700 for every month the restaurant stays put, starting from this month, and $17,932 a month for rates.

This follows a previous threat of eviction in September, when Dor Fook lodged a legal bid for $1.13 million, about three months’ rent. Hooters Asia president Daniel Yong then said the company had paid off all its outstanding debt the day before the bid.

However, it is reported this week that Yong has left the company.