Update (6:01): An earlier version of this post mistakenly lacked proper quote attribution.

Over Memorial Day weekend the Hooters on 538 E.College Ave. unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving employees a little less perky. The once delightfully tacky restaurant will be replaced with “a very kid-friendly” Kildare’s Irish pub.

According to StateCollege.com, the Hooters staff was let go with little notice over the weekend. Renovations will begin almost immediately in order to have the new restaurant ready to open by next fall.

This move to State College is part of a larger effort by the Kildare’s brand to establish itself in college towns throughout the country. Dave Magrogan, CEO of the West Chester-based Kildare’s group told StateCollege.com that other locations are being developed near Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State.

The company’s website features their various locations around the state, and they seem to be successful at creating an “authentic Irish experience”. Many furnishings are imported straight from Ireland, and the food won’t be the typical burgers and wings.

Most importantly, Kildare’s was voted the best Irish bar in Scranton, a city well known for their St. Patrick’s day celebration. I’m interested to see how the new bar reacts to State Patty’s Day.

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