Tilted Kilt: Still Coming Soon?
Opening At Restaurant Delayed; Work Continues
Posted: January 28, 2013
HARRISONBURG — Anyone waiting to get a peek at the risqué restaurant set to open in Harrisonburg will have to wait a little longer than expected.
Officials with the Valley Mall previously said The Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery was supposed to open in the old Ruby Tuesday space last fall. But now they say it’s unclear when the doors will open to the eatery often described as a Scottish version of Hooters, the chain restaurant noted for its minimally clothed and buxom servers.
Jim Trout, owner of the Harrisonburg franchise location, did not return several calls seeking comment, and messages left with the restaurant’s manager also were not returned.
But steps are being taken to ready the Celtic-themed sports pub, which, like Hooters, is known for its scantily clad waitresses.
Trout obtained a permit from the city in November for $847,000 worth of renovations to the Valley Mall space, which has sat vacant since Ruby Tuesday closed in early 2009.
Construction is under way at the site, including on an outdoor seating area, and The Tilted Kilt has an application pending with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to serve beer and wine.
The corporate website lists a Harrisonburg location as “coming soon” but doesn’t specify when.
The Tilted Kilt is one of many restaurants following the lead of Hooters, establishments known in the industry as “breastaurants.”
The Tilted Kilt was founded in Las Vegas in 2003 and began selling franchises three years ago.
Its menu includes burgers, sandwiches and chicken wings, along with such Celtic-themed offerings as Irish stew and shepherd’s pie.
The servers, however, are the key toward attracting its target male demographic.
Called “cast members,” servers wear knee-high socks and plaid kilts with matching halter tops under white shirts “tantalizing tied to show off the midriff,” the company’s website says.
Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273 or jhunt@dnronline.com