Is Reston Champps Space Getting a Hooters?

A bookstore. A locally owned restaurant. A really good bakery.

Those are some of the suggestions from Reston Now readers about what should go in the space formerly occupied by Champps at Plaza America.

How do you feel about chicken wings and waitresses in orange short-shorts?

The Reston rumor mill is abuzz with word that Hooters, the chain of sports bars with more than 400 locations in 28 countries, has checked out the space that has been empty since Champps abruptly closed in November. Hooters has locations nearby in Fairfax and Chantilly.

It’s not farfetched. The Plaza America space is large, expensive (read: chain friendly) and already laid out for a restaurant. There are thousands of office workers in walking or short-driving distance, who likely both appreciate watching SportsCenter at lunchtime as well as being waited on by Hooters Girls.

Here is what Hooters says are the best qualities about its servers:

Hooters Girls are the very essence of Hooters. Trained to excel in customer service, they provide the energy, charisma and engaging conversation that keep guests coming back. Much more than just a pretty face, Hooters girls have game. They’re intelligent and attentive – using their energy, experience and personalities to serve guests everywhere to live in the moment and take a break from the outside world.

Meanwhile, a Hooters spokesman tells Reston Now no lease has been signed — yet.

“We have no plans in Reston,” he said. “But we are definitely interested in opportunities in the area.”