• MSNBC/AP, Friday, December 15, 2006 11:30 AM

As it nears the $1 billion mark in annual sales, the Hooters chain is making over some of its oldest restaurants for the first time, adding more seating and plasma TVs and remodeling with higher ceilings and restroom upgrades.

Fifteen restaurants have the new look, and most others will be remodeled in the next couple years. The uniforms of the scantily clad "Hooters Girls" will stay the same, however, according to Coby Brooks, the company's president and CEO.

"The girls are what we're all about," Brooks admits, "although we have great food." The company is also into sports, such as the Hooters Tour with the National Golf Association and the Hooters Pro Cup auto racing series with the United Speed Alliance, sponsorships that are owned by Hooters of America. A Hooters Casino Hotel in opened in Los Vegas in February.

Hooters ranks 15th among U.S. full-service restaurant chains--behind industry leader Applebee's, but ahead of other popular eateries, like Romano's Macaroni Grill and Ryan's.

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