Hooters Air/Pace Association Announced

Hooters lovers the world over can finally breathe a sigh of relief. As we intimated in early October, Hooters of America finally has an airline.

An entity owned by its chairman, Bob Brooks, has acquired Winston-Salem, NC based carrier Pace Airlines. Brooks intends to establish a charter air service that will operate under the name Hooters Air in the future to provide leisure travel services for the golf industry to serve Myrtle Beach, SC as a prime destination. The extent to which the famous restaurant's brand representation will be used in that operation, beyond the name, is a work in progress.

Pace was formed by management of the former Piedmont Airlines following the acquisition of Piedmont's commercial airline operation by US Air in 1989. Pace, which currently operates 17 aircraft (15 Boeing 737s and 2 Boeing 757s), provides charter air services for various sports teams, corporate shuttle customers and scheduled charter service for tour operators.

Pace's current operations and programs will continue while any new Hooters services introduced will be operated as a separate program.

"I am very pleased that my investigations into the airline industry have led me to Pace. Pace is a traditional company with experienced management and a proven track record for operating safely and profitably.

I feel the team at Pace can help me achieve my goals in the airline industry and a Hooters Airline. I also believe that, with my support, the Pace team can continue to build on what is already an extremely successful charter business," stated Mr. Brooks.

Mr. Brooks' desire to invest in the airline industry became public during negotiations with Kansas City based Vanguard Airlines.

"While things did not work out with Vanguard, I learned through my due diligence efforts that the charter service segment is a healthier business arena and much better suited for extending the Hooters brand," stated Mr. Brooks.

At present there is no timetable set for launching the Hooters charter schedule service operation, although the resources of Pace should make this start-up "timely and smooth."

It is likely that Hooters Air will partner with tour operators and provide leisure travel charter services for the golf and sports industry and will specifically feature Myrtle Beach, SC as a prime destination.

FMI: www.hooters.com/companyinfo, www.paceairline.com