SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS—
Despite numerous complaints from residents, Twin Peaks will open a new location in Southlake after receiving the final permits from city leaders this week.The sports bar, known for its scantily clad waitress, received the permits required to remodel the interior of a Red Lobster near the Texas 114 and FM 1709 intersection, city council member Pamela Muller said.
Because no exterior renovations were proposed, owner Randy DeWitt bypassed the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
"It passes everything, so we have no control over what kind of restaurant goes in there," Muller said. "Our hands are tied."
In April, DeWitt had submitted plans to renovate the outside of the building to resemble other Twin Peaks locations, but he withdrew those plans in May after public outrage grew.
DeWitt declined to comment on the new location, but he said in an email that an announcement would be made next week about Southlake location.
Several residents said they were disappointed to learn Twin Peaks would be allowed to open inside the city limits. They had hoped an aggressive campaign against the restaurant would stop it from opening.
Mother Leigh Wambsganss said Twin Peaks is the worst of the so-called "breastaurants" and wrong for the family-oriented city.
"Twin Peaks makes Hooters look like a Bible study," she said. "It's inappropriate."
Wambsganss said she believes Twin Peaks, which has numerous theme nights, violates the city's sexually oriented business ordinance.
Muller said the city would inspect the business several times a year to ensure waitress are properly clothed and are not violating the ordinance.
Judi Sherrill stopped dead in her tracks after hearing the restaurant would be moving into town.
Sherrill said few residents would support the sports bar, and she hopes that means it'll struggle financially.
"I don't think it needs to be in Southlake," she said. "I don't think it needs to be in Dallas. I don't think it needs to be in any area. It doesn't need to be here."
However, not everyone was against Southlake newest restaurant.
Teenager Damien Jacot said Twin Peaks would be a big draw in the city, and he doesn't see what the big fuss is all about.
"They're not taking clothes off," he said. "They go into work with everything covered that needs to be. It's just food. It's not a gentlemen's club."
Many families questioned what message the scantily clad business would send to young children.
Rev. Clayton Reed said the business has every right to move into the empty Red Lobster, but he doesn't think Twin Peaks is the right business for the city.
"I don't know a father in Southlake, Texas, that wants their daughter to grow up and work there," he said. "It degrades women."
