NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - In the clearest signal to date that China has made the leap from emerging economy to a global powerhouse, Hooters will open its first location in the communist country next week, a spokesman for the company confirmed Friday.
The Atlanta-based chain, known for its chicken wings and scantily clad waitresses, will open the Shanghai location on Monday, Hooters spokesman Mike McNeil told CNN/Money.
"The franchisee plans to open between 5 and 10 locations in the next few years. There may be a slight change to the menu, but the waitstaff apparel will be the same," he said, adding that the Chinese franchisee has been well received by the government.
Privately-owned Hooters joins other restaurant chains Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald's and Dominos that have opened locations in Shanghai.
Hooters has also unveiled plans to open several locations in India next year.
"Hooters is a strong and exciting brand name that has a very unique place in its industry offering a perfect atmosphere to have fun, relax with friends and enjoy great food. I am looking forward to the 'recreation' of this dining atmosphere in India," said Sunil Bedi, Managing Director of Hooters of India (H.O.I.) Pvt. Ltd. in a statement in August.
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Hooters of America has also opened restaurants in Singapore, Taiwan, Chile and Austria.
In 2003 the company started an airline with a hub in Myrtle Beach, S.C. that flies to Newark, N.J., Atlanta, Nassau, Chicago, Columbus and Baltimore.
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