Dedham Residents Really Don’t Want a Hooters

Photo by Captain Skyhawk on Flickr/Creative Commons

Plans for a new Hooters on Route 1 in Dedham is being met with stiff opposition from residents.

Dedham selectmen reviewed a request Monday to transfer a liquor license from Summer Shack to Dedham Wings LLC. If granted, Hooters would open its fourth location in Massachusetts.

Residents delivered a petition with more than 500 signatures protesting the proposed Hooters, known for its scantly clad waitresses, and buffalo wings, maybe? Opponents of the transfer decried the Atlanta-based restaurant chain’s objectification of women, as well as the traffic congestion the new location would create.

“To allow a business in that has a reputation that proceeds it as theirs does sends a message that we condone their discriminatory hiring practices,” State Rep. Paul McMurtry told Wicked Local Dedham. “Dedham has a vested interest in protecting its image, its character and its long history which does not include restaurants that promote the exploitation of women to sell food and alcohol.”

“We are very empathetic to the concerns of citizens, but we hope in the end that some people will realize their fears are unfounded once they get to know us better,” said Marc Phaneuf Jr., who owns Hooters franchises in upstate New York and New England.

If Hooters obtains the liquor license, its Route 1 location could open as early as this May.