Hooters Hong Kong fronts up with rent

Paying off its HK$1 million (US$128,000) rent arrears, Hooters restaurant has staved off legal action and eviction from its Lan Kwai Fong premises.

Hooters Asia president Daniel Yong says he paid off the debt, amounting to about three months’ rent, the day before the court deadline after lawyers issued a writ on behalf of the landlord, property company Dor Fook Company.

Yong flew from his home in Singapore to reassure staff members that the restaurant was going to stay open, and says he still plans four more Hooters venues for Hong Kong.

He says the problems stemmed from past management, with the business “in a bit of a mess” when he took over two months ago.