TNA star Hulk Hogan recently spoke to TampaBay.com about the Grand Opening of his new restaurant, Hogan's Beach. Here are some highlights of what Hogan said about:
The Concept: "It's going to be Jimmy Buffett's [Margaritaville] times 10; Hooters times 10. It's a logical extension of the Hogan brand, with my image and likeness. We're looking for something like Winter the Dolphin. In 36 years I've become so tangible to the public, and not just Americans. We have a chance to have an international draw."
His Role at the Restaurant: "I see myself almost like a general manager, creatively. I play a fake general manager on Impact Wrestling. But this is for real."
The New Year's Eve opening was a huge success, with the restaurant doing big business in its first night open to the public. Among the pro wrestling names that were in attendance were Hogan, Ric Flair, Matt Morgan, Austin Aries, Jimmy Hart, Brutus Beefcake, Bushwaker Luke, TNA Knockout Rosita, former WWE developmental diva Melissa Coates and others.