THE son of a major restaurant chain founder has sold the brand and is now the franchisee of a rival.
In 1966, Robert Howell Brooks founded Naturally Fresh, Inc. and then later bought the rights to Hooters in 1984, according to a New York Times article.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the concept of the restaurant chain was to form a sports bar and grill filled with servers with a sex appeal to drive the growth of the business.
To date, the model has been successful, as Hooters now has more than 420 locations in 29 countries, according to the Hooters website.
But its leadership at the top has changed.
Robert, who passed away in 2006, turned over the equity control of Hooters and Naturally Fresh in 2003 to his son, Coby Brooks, according to Entrepreneur.
READ MORE ON HOOTERS
Coby also took control of his father's estate.
However, Coby was forced to sell in 2011 to a group of investors after a legal battle between Cody and Robert's widow Tami over the estate, which resulted in a settlement.
But not too long after the sale, Coby had plans to help grow a rival sports lodge known as Twin Peaks.
He phoned Randy Dewitt, the founder of Twin Peaks, and told him he was interested in transitioning out of his franchisor role, Entrepreneur reported.
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A franchisor owns a particular licensed business, while a franchisee pays to operate and use the model of the brand.
"I knew I didn't want to quit working, and I knew the restaurant business really well," Coby told Entrepreneur.
"So I asked him if he would give me a shot at being a franchisee. He asked if I had a noncompete clause. I told him no."
THE GROWTH OF TWIN PEAKS
Like Hooters, Twin Peaks only hires women in its sports theme locations.
However, there are some differences in the company's approach.
"One thing I found was that the way Randy set things up, there's very little work for the girls," Coby told Entrepreneur.
"They focus on serving the customer; that's it. They don't have to bus tables, work as barbacks, cut fruit, or set up tables."
Coby added that he believes that the food is "much better" at Twin Peaks compared with Hooters.
Also, draft beer is served at 29 degrees.
Since its founding in 2005, Twin Peaks has opened at least 83 restaurants in 23 states, according to a blog post on its website.
Coby could now be worth $20million, according to one estimate from Celebrity Net Worth.
MORE ON TWIN PEAKS
Twin Peaks aims to give its customers a "comfortable cabin in the mountains" vibe with its restaurant design and features, according to its website.
As far as food goes, customers can order various items from burgers, sandwiches, and wings to desserts and appetizers.
To save money, Twin Peaks encourages fans to sign up for its newsletter.
New customers who give their email for upcoming events and promotions get a coupon for free chips and queso.
You can also sign up for its Friends of the Peaks Club for exclusive offers.
Additionally, Twin Peaks has gotten a permit to operate a new restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida.
Read More on The US Sun
Meanwhile, after 46 years, Tomaso's, a beloved Italian eatery will be closing on May 20 in Phoenix.
And a Subway rival is closing after 40 years.
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