Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Call the place what it really is

Call the place what it really is

Nov 14, 2007 - 14:06:55 CST

By JAMES MITZEL
Bismarck

Hooters -- a family-themed restaurant?

It appears Bismarck has made the big time, or has it?

Crystal Reid reported Sunday that not all are fond of the Hooters Restaurant, and that is true. Add my name to the list.

It's a joke to even consider Hooters a family restaurant. It was reported that the restaurant is striving to become more family-friendly. Maybe it should start by cleaning up the waitresses' dress code. Call it as it is: A sex-themed restaurant.

There are many fine restaurants in Bismarck, establishments that promote family dining in the real sense, places where I can take my grandchildren, places I will patronize.

You will never see me near or in a Hooters establishment.

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Comments

Wanna make some $$$ wrote on Jan 20, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Where can I find the businessmen who are opening Hooters in Bismarck? I have a building in mind where we could open Hooters up outside of Bismarck. Have a hoot of a day. And God Bless America ~ o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. "

George Helmsley wrote on Nov 23, 2007 1:49 PM:

" This Hooters discussion is all so crazy. Hooters is a national brand with over 450 restaurants! I drive a truck and have seen Hooters in the southern bible belt and many conservative places too. Go to the mall.......Victoria Secret's sheer clothing and hooker style clothing is on display for all children to see as they walk by. Hooters has nothing loke that is is separate from the mall........children will never walk past "by mistake". And, by the way, Hooters Girls are dressed no more skimpily than NFL Cheerleaders. Come on Bismarck..........we need to get with it! "

To Gimme a Break wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:14 PM:

" A daycare? Or a . . . nursery? "

Gimme a break wrote on Nov 21, 2007 6:23 PM:

" The same people complaining about Hooters should go down to southport in the summer and watch the girls that fuel the boats, now that's eye candy, makes Hooters look like a day care. "

To: Special Interests wrote on Nov 21, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Thanks for sharing that. I guessed that most of the pro-Hooter posts on this blog were coming from special interest groups. Their primary concern is not for what is best for Bismarck-Mandan people, but how much money they can get from the Bismarck-Mandan people. "

Happy about outside view wrote on Nov 21, 2007 4:13 PM:

" Seems like people who live in crime-riddled cities with high living costs and other advantages like to poke fun at us poor folks. Fine with me. It helps to keep us with a very desirable environment. I can always visit Chicago when I want and leave quickly. "

To Southpark wrote on Nov 21, 2007 3:46 PM:

" Southpark, before you jump to conclusions about people that are not from North Dakota, you may want to take a look at fark.com. Fark is a very very popular international website that gets hundreds of thousands of views everyday. Basically they take news stories and make fun of them by rewording the headlines or summing up the story in a sentence or two. Three Bismarck Tribune stories have been featured on it within the last two weeks. The rest of the world have been laughing at how close minded crazy us North Dakotans can actually be. Comments like yours justify the ignorance to the fact that Bismarck is not its own little country like some of us think it is. "

Southpark wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:43 PM:

" Brandon: Please do cross us off your list. Our feelings aren't hurt at all. However, just out of curiosity, if Chicago is so darn wonderful, what exactly is it about the Bismarck that keeps you watching from Chicago? Hmmm, think I answered my own question. All you out of staters and supposed Bismarck haters are cowardly. Clearly you love this place, just to afraid to admit it. "

Miler wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:40 PM:

" Perhaps all the woman of Bismarck/Mandan should get together and protest the name "hooters". Perhaps it can be viewed as being disrespectful to woman, kindof like the fighting Sioux. Granted "hooters" is a slang word, but we all know what it means. "

Brandon wrote on Nov 21, 2007 11:52 AM:

" Watching from Chicago, thanks for the laughs. I think I'll cross Bismarck off of places to visit list. "

Special interests wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:27 AM:

" For those of you who are frustrated with the anti-Hooters bloggers here, consider this. Many of these Tribune stories that touch on a controversial or political subject are attacked by bloggers of special interst groups. Just go to a politically slanted story once and start reading. The same thing is happening here, the women's rights groups and other special interest groups that have probably protested every other Hooters location opening are at it here as well. I'm sure there are a few token Bismarck/Mandan residents who are against and blogging, but rest assured the majority probably don't even live here! "

JustMe wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:10 AM:

" If you can't stand the place, don't go. If you are complaining that it is right next to a church, who's fault is that? It is in a legal commerically zoned lot, if you want to buffer your church so that it doesn't get surrounded from the real world, build it in a residential area somewhere. And finally, it is about time they build one here, they have good food and good eye candy. It cracks me up with all these guys typing on here, oh I don't like that atmosphere. When you are up there with the guys having a good time, swing by my table and let me your wife is monitoring what you type by watching over your shoulder... "

Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:34 AM:

" To John: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Edition, Arrested Development is defined as: Development stopped at some stage of its progress. Also I found this definition: Arrested Development: (n) fixation, infantile fixation, regression (an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely) "

Tommy wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:06 AM:

" are you comparing "Dick Heads" to "Hooters"??? Owls are beautiful creatures and "Dick Head" was a dog that lived near the bar owners cabin.... They are just words and in now way are they offensive to me. watch nbc or comedy central some time. "

John wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:17 AM:

" What is arrested development? The way you ended your rant makes no sense to me. "

i hear ya wrote on Nov 20, 2007 9:47 PM:

" What the waitresses wear is only a small part of what makes this place offensive. The signs with the name and what they imply make it offensive. The fact that a bar owner wanted to name his business something else and had to change the name to Richard Cranium's because of the implications of the original name choice, but a name like Hooter's is accepted by the city. That's a real double standard, and by Bismarck city government nonetheless! The fact that Bismarck was willing to accept this, perhaps because it was a franchise or because of the money, I don't know, but really, it is discriminatory in light of the bar name controversy in recent years. Furthermore, i had to laugh for a long time at some of the comments. I am amazed that someone would still be fuming about a high school football game, 25 or 30 years after it happened. Sounds like a serious case of arrested development to me. "

ero wrote on Nov 19, 2007 7:10 PM:

" woohoo....we're all proud of you perkins....i think you deserve one of those cookies that are so delicious from perkins..on the house! You're very welcome! "

Stand in Line at Perkins wrote on Nov 19, 2007 3:47 PM:

" "You will never see me near or in a Hooters establishment." Thanks. Room for 1 more at Hooters then. "

Jim N. wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:04 AM:

" I'll be there as soon as it opens, this beats going to the Ground Round! "

Sick of Conservatives wrote on Nov 18, 2007 8:38 PM:

" conservative people like this are the reason why no one under the age of 25 wants to stay in North Dakota. I have been astonished once again by the conservative people here.. WOOHOO "anti-hooters," BIG DEAL IT IS A RESTAURANT if you have a problem with it DON'T GO THERE! "

seriously wrote on Nov 18, 2007 4:29 PM:

" Yes, have you seen how some of the teenage girls dress? I dropped my son off at BHS one morning and a couple of girls walked by my car. I could not believe short their skirts were. I commented and my son said, that's nothing, you should see what some girls wear in gym class! Or how about at a few of our other local restaurants in town, that wear skirts that are extremely short! Who cares if Hooters is coming to Bismarck. Honestly I had food from Hooters one time in Fargo (wings) I expected something out of this world and I thought they were the worst wings I had ever tasted. I would rather eat at Buffalo Wild Wings. I bet 99.9% of the people complaining about HOOTERS are also the 99.9% that complained about Sunday opening and how they will never shop on Sundays. I also bet 99.8% of those complainers are the ones standing outside Wal-Mart waiting for the doors to open at noon!!!!! Get over it Bismarck and get a life!!!!!! "

Skimpy clothes: wrote on Nov 18, 2007 1:09 PM:

" Everyone says you can see more skin at the mall or in church or in the schools. Does that make it right? I am disgusted when I see rolls of fat tucked into a tight and short shirt or hanging over low hung pants. I am disgusted when people walk around like they are Ms. Fashion of the century and their butt cracks are showing. Yes, it's everywhere but it isn't attractive, does not draw respect or positive comments (actually I laugh at them), and is disgusting for those who see it. "

Old Cynic wrote on Nov 18, 2007 12:53 PM:

" Why all the fuss? To quote Capt. Redlegs in the movie, The Outlaw Jose Wales, "Doin' good ain't got no end." "

Fossilman wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:36 AM:

" Get over it people,your kids wear more revieling clothing than these waitresses do!!! Its 2007 North Dakota,get with it!!!!! "

Common Sense of Humor wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:35 AM:

" What so many people seem to be missing is a fact hidden right in front of their eyes. Every anti-Hooters letter, article, and comment I've read from our fellow Bismarck residents complaints things like "It's a joke to even consider Hooters a family restaurant." That's the whole point! Hooters is a joke. It's a humor- or even sarcasm-themed restaurant. (Or, if you will, it is sports-themed, which is far closer to their intent than sex-themed. Read their employee manual (available online if you search a little bit) and you'll get a much better idea of what's going on.) "Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined" is their slogan. People seem to think that they only hire large-chested women and then dress them in skimpy outfits to parade before mostly male customers. None of this is true. As so many people have pointed out, if you want to see female skin paraded in front of you in Bismarck, there are far better places to go than Hooters. If you want wings, some people prefer Buffalo Wild Wings, Ground Round, or even Applebee's; but some prefer Hooters. If you want a good burger, Hooters has one for you. My recommendation is to go to Fargo with a few friends. Make sure you are in mixed company - take your husband or your wife and another couple along with you. Go to Hooters, have a pitcher of beer for your table and choose between burgers and wings (or get both). Go in with a positive attitude. Be friendly to the hostess and to your waitress, clearing your mind of all assumptions and preconceived notions you may have. With an open mind, you will either remain appalled or smile because you finally get what all the fuss is about. Have fun! "

cd wrote on Nov 18, 2007 6:37 AM:

" What is wrong with some of you people? You don't want a business to open because of their name? For all of you closed-minded people, you should stick to Dennys or Perkins. Years ago, we took our two sons to a Hooters in the Twin Cities. After a while I started laughing and told my sons to close their mouths and quit drooling. They were not mentally or emotionally scarred for life. They are both college graduates with good paying jobs. I am a woman. I don't go for the scenery, I go for the food. Can't wait for them to open. "

me wrote on Nov 18, 2007 12:54 AM:

" at hooters the waitress wear t shirts and short shirts big deal. you can turn on regular televison and see much worse then that. "

Andy wrote on Nov 17, 2007 11:03 PM:

" I would like to know if James frequents Buffalo Wild Wings because they show just as much skin as Hooters. And why do Bismarckians (Bismarckites?) have to suffer patronizing a "sex-themed restaurant" to see some skin. Stand up sinners of Bismarck and demand an honest to goodness strip club! "

Free Advertising wrote on Nov 17, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Hooters is definitely getting much free publicity with two columns on the topic in the Bismarck Tribune, and now with all the bloggers giving their opinions pro and con Hooters. The Rainbow Shop is also getting much free publicity, but sometimes negative publicity is much better than no publicity at all. Congratulations, Jim Mitzel, on your openness to accepting all the bashing of the Rainbow Shop on this blog. Your business will benefit much from this. "

Dan wrote on Nov 17, 2007 11:26 AM:

" The time is right for us to wake up theses sleepy little towns we call Bismarck Mandan. Maybe the reason that we do not have better jobs that pay better wages is becouse of the so-called conservative people that run these towns, not wanting anything real competing with there sacred buisneses. They choose to try to scare away any type of new buisness that might make us a little more pregressive. I say boo hoo to all those that think that they can use there relgious beleafs to stop expansion. If I was a Big Buisness Man looking to move a buisness into BisMan I would look twice and probably look somewhere else that is more progressive minded. Its no wonder the outmigration goes on with this type of mentality here. Oh by the way what a good way for Hooters to get all the free press it really is looking for . HMMM "

Enough already: wrote on Nov 17, 2007 11:07 AM:

" If you don't want to recognize religion or beliefs, fine, but don't bring down the Rainbow Shops or any place offering religious items and encouragement. That just tells me that you do believe, but choose to make a big stink and a big noise about these stores so you can continue to live the lifestyle you want without looking like you feel. In my opinion a lot of people know they should or could clean up their act, but it's easier to knock what's right than to do it. If you are comfortable with your lifestyle and your Hooters fix, fine, but don't knock the other side just to make yourself look better. If you are comfortable in your lifestyle and way of living, the Rainbow Shops or churches or anything else shouldn't even be a concern, yet some of you spend a lot of time making fun of that side of the coin. Why? What's the threat? And like what was said before, if it was called Hal's rather than Hooters, the lines wouldn't be so long, because Hooters does indicate what's inside. "

Jim S wrote on Nov 17, 2007 8:33 AM:

" I think Quebec has a Hooters. Unless I am mistaken it for a Hard Rock Cafe? I know they have the later but I also think they have a Hooters. Hooters has been around for 20 years? Almost anyways. I first heard of it when I saw it on the side of Alan Kuwikis NASCAR. He died over 10-15 years ago. If Hooters is that bad and distasteful, wouldn't some tree huggin group burned all of these places down by now? Does this mean that Bismarck is really 10-15 years behind the times? UGGGG "

? wrote on Nov 17, 2007 6:45 AM:

" Now I understand why the hutterites don't have a church in Bismarck. "

To the poster of: The Rainbow Shop versus Hooters wrote on Nov 16, 2007 10:09 PM:

" You call this a choice? While the Rainbow Shop is open on Sunday...I will be in Hooters...with way more people than those frequenting the Rainbow Shop! "

I Feel Safe wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:48 PM:

" I was an underclassman at St. Mary's High when Jim and Betty Mitzel were homecoming king and queen. They lead us in mass before the football team got massacred that night (we ended the season 0-9). It is most assuring that they are still trying to lead us. "

How Very Silly wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:44 PM:

" Jim Mitzel feels threatened by a Hooters in Bismarck?? And he owns the Rainbow Shops? Is this now the new depth of inanity in the name of religion to which the Bismarck religiosos have descended? Jim, you might want to know that your religious president, "W," (is that for "Word of god?), has destroyed the value of the dollar, so the Canadian "Loonie," for the first time ever is worth more than the dollar...so Canada is beconning. Don't think they have any Hooters there. "

The Rainbow Shop vs. Hooters wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:28 PM:

" Both have their attractions to those who are interested in their respective "attractions." The Rainbow Shop has all that touchy-feely religious stuff...for the religious. Hooters has beer, wings, and just a wee-bit of skin...for people who like beer, wings, and just a wee-bit of skin. TO EACH HIS OWN! And...n'yer the twain shall meet! And just as well. By the way I will never set foot in the Rainbow Shop. "

John wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:10 PM:

" The only reason sex sells is because hyporcrit bible thumpers make it taboo. To me, Hooters is a place to hang out with buddies and have a good time, and to think the bible thumpers wont be there, so a better time will be had by all. We will all be there to do the same thing, relax and have a good time, not be judged by some hypocrit. Well, maybe untill we walk outsid ewith smiles on our faces, they will be sitting across the street staring us down, LOL "

Bismarck needs right turn lanes wrote on Nov 16, 2007 4:25 PM:

" ...and the State is puzzled by out-migration. Why would any young person with aspirations bigger than the four walls of the archaic belief structure in this area ever want to stay? I'm glad people are opposed to going there actually. My wait for wings and beer will be considerably shorter. So thanks, Jim, for keeping the holy rollers at Cracker Barrel where they belong. "

conservative wrote on Nov 16, 2007 2:15 PM:

" If you don't like a certain establishment, don't go. I am a libertarian by nature, politically and I do not want someone else making decisions for me, whether it be government or another individual. I understand some don't like hooters, so don't go. But because some find it distasteful, you feel you need to make moral decisions for all citizens of Bismarck? Let capitalism work and let people make up their own minds if they want to go or not. "

bdf wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:56 PM:

" "HOOTERS IS COMING" I'm hell bound and still looking for a good hamberger. "

Shocked wrote on Nov 16, 2007 10:56 AM:

" People are opposed to a Hooter's in Bismarck...what a shock...what do you expect in a town where a bar has to change its name to Richard Cranium's?? "

Job wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:37 AM:

" Wow did I read that, Bismarck is behind the times, but where not still in the 50's "

We need more BIG BROTHER wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:28 AM:

" We need an ordinance in place to keep a minimum amount of material on our women. This way the police will have something to do besides pulling people over for loud pipes on motorcycles and other vehicles. "

Chavez wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:21 AM:

" While I find the idea of Hooters to be sexist, there is a common sense thing I can do: If I do not like it, I do not have to patronize the restaurant. If Hooters wants to open up a store here, fine. But who am I or anyone to tell others they should or should not go there? Tolerance is in such low supply today, especially among the "Values Voters" crowd. "

Dave wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:20 AM:

" come on now, it's based on OWLS people! HOOTERS=OWLS! Support OWLS! "

Jim S wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:05 AM:

" Didn't God start his project on Sunday and finish it on Friday leaving Saturday for rest? Ask a 7th Day adventest. When I was in high school, I dated a gal who was 7th Day Adventest and we could never go out on a date on Saturdays unless it was at her house because of what they believe. "

Retired wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:49 PM:

" Jim Mitzel and his wife are supposed to be retired from the Rainbow Shops. Apparently he doesn't have anything better to do than save Bismarck from the horror that he perceives in the arrival of Hooters. Well, I a non-believer who thinks that Bismarck should be saved from the horror that is the Rainbow Shops. "

The Rainbow Shop is Open on Sundays? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:43 PM:

" I did not know this. How can this be? Is it not some form of blasphemy? Selling objects on God's holy day? "

The Most Ridiculous Blog of All wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:22 PM:

" I just love the poster who wrote about "Planet Bismarck!" I moved back here in 1975, when we still had blue laws. You could go to church, buy gasoline, and go to an "X" rated movie, but you could not buy diapers. Those aisles were cordoned off. Well here we are in the infancy of the 21st century, and we still can't buy beer in an off-sale, but we can in a restaurant, ironically ONLY the ones that are considered as "family friendly," and, god forbid, you can actually enjoy a beer after church services with your lunch! And Jim Mitzel, aka Rainbow Shops, doesn't want us to go to the new Hooters? Oh! I get it! The Rainbow Shops are open on SUNDAYS! Is this not a form of blasphemy? You know, Jesus and the temple thing? Or is Jim just concerned about more competition? Give us a break! "

To: I Would Rather... wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:05 PM:

" By your statement I assume you know that Jim Mitzel and his family own, in my mind, the too ubiquitous Rainbow Shops in Bismarck. I am not religious. And I certainly would defend capitalism to my death. But Jim Mitzel criticizing an entrepreneur for a "theme" for a restaurant that he has every right not to patronize smacks me of hypocrisy. I object to the very existence of the Rainbow Shops. Why? Because the owners profit from someone's BELIEF! Jewelry, gold-edged bibles, prayer books, posters...ad infinitum, or is it...ad nauseum. They probably think they are doing the work of their lord. But did not Jesus cleanse the temple of money changers? Does make one wonder. "

Give a Hoot wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:49 PM:

" Well if Mr. Mitzel isn't going to go to Hooters it's just one more chair for me. By the way they have one of the best Philly Cheese steak sandwiches around along with the great wings. "

Shame on you.... wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:28 PM:

" Oh my GOSH...... a man who won't go to HOOTERS??? What is this world coming to, and what rock have you been living under ?? Bet your there within a week of it opening?? Come on now, I don't know any man that can pass up a hooters. "

??? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:22 PM:

" I love how people say "oh this and that is so degrading towards women blah, blah, blah". So would it be offensive towards men if some one decided to open up a restaurant/lounge where the employees are all male and have to dress in skimmpy speedo's? No!!! some dumb female would take it to court because they want to work there and the restaurant only has an all male staff for the purpose of women to look at (almost the same concept of hooters). btw doesn't bis/man area have enough restaurants? its bad enough the places in the F-M area have a hard time keeping employees why can bismarck focus on bringing in more job opportunities that pay more than min wage to the area Oh wait that would put the restaurants out of business "

I Would Rather... wrote on Nov 15, 2007 3:38 PM:

" I'd rather go to Hooters than the Rainbow Shop. Imagine criticizing the exploitation of volunteer women! What about the exploitation of religion in the name of profits? "

Southpark wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:14 PM:

" It is hard to get a seat anywhere in this town. Where have all these people come from? Hooters is degrading to woman but so is just about everything out there. I don't think I can sit down and watch a sitcom and not hear about sex. It is the way of the world. Nothing is sacred. Sex sells... Nothing we can do about it except if you don't like it, don't go. I'm sure the gentlemans clubs are coming. No, I'm not talking about the silver dollar. We are going big city and keep in mind, with the big city coming, we will get all the other crap that comes with it. "

Casey wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:10 PM:

" To I hear ya, Im pretty sure the church knew it was building on retail/buisness zoned land when it went up long ago. Why would there be ANY kind of ordianance, Churches can/get to build wherever they want too. Do you also know they get free garbage removal? Sure they pay it on the water bill like all of us including EVERY commercial building buisness in the city limits, yet those commercial buisnesses can not receive garbage pickup from the city service, they have to find a private hauler and pay them seperate, yet still have to pay there garbage fee in the water bill!! So lets just say churches are a little exempt from some the rules..If your church people dont like to look at the harmless building and sign on the way sunday, take the back way around and save all of us normal paced/minded drivers on state street some nerves and time.. Thanks "

Mary K wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:13 PM:

" Hooters is a sexual stimulation center. "

To: Who Cares? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Evidently, the online editor feels that the topic of Hooters coming to Bismarck is more important than Thompson's topic on how the Word of God gets distorted. The blog was removed today, even though there were posters on that topic. "

whatever wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:24 PM:

" IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT...DON'T GO THERE! "

Who Cares wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:26 AM:

" According to Mitzels supporters, we are supposed to respect his opinion and let him off with a free pass. Problem is that it is only an opinion and this is a debate forum where others can freely express their opinion as well. Back off and let everyone have their opinion just as Mr. Mitzel has. Comments here are not an attack on Mr. Mitzel, they are an attack on his opinion and the "undeniable fact" that he wrote a letter without properly informing himself before attacking Hooters with his opinion. All this constant attention to Hooters does and give them free publicity and advertising. It will be hard to get a seat there for a while after it opens, and they will be thanking the Hooter haters all the way to the bank for the free attention to their new restaurant. "

serge wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:38 AM:

" How can Mitzel express an "honest' opinion if he has never been inside a Hooters ? Please, i would hope that he has more intellect than to express anopinion on something or someplace that he has never been inside? Just what this country needs, more narrow minded columnists who speak without any actual experience "

To girls skimpy dress: wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:41 AM:

" One more thought: These girls may think they look so cool and great, but apparently they don't try on the clothes or have a magic mirror. Very few can wear the short or tight shirts without their spare tires jiggling when they walk. Can't they see that in the mirror? Who ever told them they look good with rolls being accented by tight or short shirts? So, yes, we see this, but it doesn't look good. Someone really needs to spread the word, unless your BMI is within normal to below range, cover up! Also lovin' the rolls that hang over the pants at the top, they must disappear in the dressing room mirror, too. "

To Girls skimpy dress: wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:36 AM:

" I agree the way girls run around these days is more than disgusting. I am so sick of looking at butt cracks, and, no, I don't have a choice, so don't tell me not to look. I had to see that for a whole hour in church in the row in front of me. Parents let their daughters run around with their butt showing, their chests barely covered, but that doesn't make it right, regardless of where it is. There is a place for skimpier clothing, it's called the beach or boating, but just because girls dress this way in school or shopping, or waitressing, doesn't excuse it and doesn't make it right. Yes, we see more than we want more places than we want, that doesn't mean we necessarily like it or think much of those who do it. Girls are selling themselves out these days, leaving little to no mystery, and when they apply at Hooters they know what they are doing and why. Pretty disgusting in my book. "

to I hear ya wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:22 AM:

" What a joke, have you seen the way some young women look in Chuch? Have you seen the way Jr high girls dress for School concerts, they look like hookers. As a lady freind of mine said one day " the way young women dress it is no wonder the young men all wear baggy pants." "

Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:14 AM:

" If you don't agree with Mr. Mitzel, fine, but respect his right to an opinion, even though it differs from yours. With all due respect to Have some Respect and i hear ya : If you can't run with the big dogs (blogs), stay on the porch! "

i hear ya wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:55 PM:

" I am disappointed that Bismarck doesn't have some type of an ordinance preventing this type of establishment so close to churches. "

girls skimpy dress wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:40 PM:

" Have you seen what girls walk around here in everyday life? Thongs hanging out of their pants, butt cracks in all their glory, shorts up to where so short, breasts exposed like no other, and can't forget bellies hanging out to. At least the girls at Hooters shorts cover all the parts, no bellies hanging out and little cleavage. I'm just saying you get worse on the street. "

i hear ya wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:36 PM:

" The way some people think they must attack someone who takes a stand for moral values is just really disgusting, and obviously evidence that they have a problem with their conscience. I believe that Mr. Mitzel and his family are really great people and have contributed much to Bismarck. Thank you for being brave enough to take a stand for what is right. "

Barb wrote on Nov 14, 2007 8:48 PM:

" T say what---I stand corrected-- I meant to say restaurant.. Sorry. "

Say What??? wrote on Nov 14, 2007 7:39 PM:

" "Call the place what it really is"??? OK...its a restaurant. "

Barb wrote on Nov 14, 2007 7:34 PM:

" Here we go again-- It's just about like the smoking issue that people complain about! If you don't like Hooter's, Don't enter that establishment. It's all about choices again. Man, does it ever end? People have to complain about something. I hate smoking, but I don't go into any bars that have smoking, but I won't ruin it for those who do. It's my choice, my freedom. I have been in a Hooters bar, and didn't like the atmosphere, so I won't go back in. That simple "

Bill wrote on Nov 14, 2007 7:08 PM:

" ok...thanks for sharing. You won't go to Hooters. But many people still will. I'm glad there are a variety of new eating places to choose from...Hooters is just another choice that many people will patronize. "

Have some respect: wrote on Nov 14, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Mr. Mitzel had the courage to voice his opinion and disgust. If you do not agree, that's fine, but I don't think insulting him or his letter is really necessary. Everyone has their own opinions, and they should all be respected. I have a hard time respecting those that are mean, nasty, insulting, and probably evident of the type of mentality that looks forward to a Hooters in this town. If you don't agree with Mr. Mitzel, fine, but respect his right to an opinion, even though it differs from yours. "

Got to admit: wrote on Nov 14, 2007 5:56 PM:

" Regardless of what you think of this restaurant, everyone has to admit that much of the business is because of the name and what it implies will be inside. If the same food was served the same way but the name was changed from Hooters to Hals, the crowd wouldn't be near as large or as defensive. Admit it, for many it's a place to get their eyes full. Say the name Hooters once, and watch the smiles and raised eyebrows. Can't deny it. For those who apply to waitress there, what are the requirements? If you're a little chubby and misproportioned, or past the age of 30, is it discrimination if you aren't hired, even if you have a wonderful work record and raving letters of recommendation? Just wondering. "

Church Lady wrote on Nov 14, 2007 5:46 PM:

" Oh my gawd, first there was Sunday shopping, and then came Victoria's Secret with all of their "knickers" right up in front for anyone and everyone to see mind you. And then the bars trying to stay open till 2 in the morning. Now Hooters will be coming in Bismarck, well I for one will not be eating my wings in the Devils playpen no more than I'd allow anyone to see my knickers. The end is near let me tell you. Wait, I am offended, thats it offended by the name "hooters" and I am sure that PETA will be backing me on this civil litigation as the Owls believe that to be a degratory term. What next we will be naming UND home of the Hooter Owls. WILL IT NEVER END................... "

Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 14, 2007 5:32 PM:

" To What about Aliens: What about RUBY TUESDAYS? It's a restaurant named after a ROLLING STONES song! Why, if you eat there, you might end up having SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL and shooting heroin like Keith Richards. "

it's so different wrote on Nov 14, 2007 5:17 PM:

" Yeah it's so much different when a waitress wears a tight fitting white blouse with the buttons undone. Where's the outrage there? I bet you like your breakfast served that way Mr. Mitzel, don't you. You probably leave her a whole 2 bits in the morning. "

what about aliens wrote on Nov 14, 2007 5:07 PM:

" They named and themed that restaurant after aliens. These aliens have been kidnapping people, harvesting organs, and stealing DNA. They kill and mutilate cattle for experimental purposes. The aliens destroy thousands of acres of crops with their crop circles. In spite of all this the restaurant celebrates aliens! "

Who Cares wrote on Nov 14, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Who cares what the Hooter haters think. I have been to a few Hooters and can tell you it is nothing special. I can get just as much enjoyment or more from looking at the back ends and bods of women in skin-tight pants at restaurants like Ground Round and Applebees, etc. Heck, many young women in Church dress as poorly. A women in shorts and a tight shirt is not risque. Many other restaurants in the city allow female employees to wear shorts in the summer already. Most whiners have never even been to a Hooters, as they think it is a strip club. It is not even close, the women do not dance and unfortunately, they keep their clothes on. I will probably never enter the establishment, but I don't care if others choose to do so. It is their choice to make in free world. "

Avid Reader wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:58 PM:

" I wonder if Hooter's would hire a phlistine to give the place some fundamentalist appeal? "

Welcome To The World wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:55 PM:

" I think a new palce should be Dick Heads.....................okay maybe Richard's Cranium............Go Hooters! Best of luck! Thanks for coming to Bismarck, ND! "

Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:39 PM:

" I bet Conrad, Dorgan, and Pomeroy are behind opening a Hooter's restaurant in Bismarck. They're blamed for everything else "wrong" with the state. (If you follow the blogs in the Tribune regularly, you'll get the joke). "

Fair is Fair wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Maybe someone should open up a fried chicken themed restaurant called Pecker's? I wonder if the zeolots and closed minded people would be so up in arms about that? "

Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:28 PM:

" UM....Who cares if this guy goes to Hooters or not. He won't influence my opinion or my choice to go there or not. Maybe he should stick to Perkins or Fried's over in Mandan. "

John wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:26 PM:

" Boo hoo, you dont like Hooters. You and maybe two others, so keep preachin', maybe you'll get 4 people, and you four can go hang out at a resturaunt that has servers that are on meth, and have three kids with three different guys, I think that is way better than a hooters gal any day. Give me a break. "

Deb wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:50 PM:

" Does this guy think he's opening our eyes? Does he think we didn't know that Hooter's was a sex themed restaurant? Read Michelle's letter regarding this, Mr. Mitzel. Why did you feel the need to tell the people of our region your choice to not patronize a place? I think the saying: "Me thinks the lady doth protest too much" fits well here. "

dave wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:49 PM:

" There you go, make a choice not to go there. However, don't preach to the people who do. "

sammyhain2364 wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:46 PM:

" so glad to see that you're basing your opinion, by your own admission, on a place that you've never set foot in. A person sees more skin taking a walk on one of the trails here in town than you ever see at a Hooters. "

TGL wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:44 PM:

" Great, if thats the choice you make then leave it be, I'll bet that the day Hooters opens it will be packed, and they won't even miss your business. Because in all reality thats all it is, business!! You are paying for a service. If you don't like the establishment,, don't go in there.Plain and simple, just don't look down on those people for doing what you don't think is "proper" . GROW UP!!!!!! "

Thomas Elliot wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:28 PM:

" Amen. "

Bring It On! wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:27 PM:

" Ah, isn't competition and capitalism great? Long live the Hooter's Restaurants in North Dakota! We are finally beginning to think "Out of the Box." No pun intended! "

TAG wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:25 PM:

" Stop the press Mr Mitzel will never goto HOOTERS!?!? Who cares!! "

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