‘Baywatch’ planning
restaurant in Hawaii

It will be the first of several
outlets slated to open
around the world

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

"Baywatch Hawaii" star David Hasselhoff said he and Pearson TV, the show's international syndicator, have cooked up a plan to build Baywatch-themed restaurants around the world with the first one likely to be in Honolulu,

"I've been talking with Shep Gordon (part owner of Outback Steakhouse and Don Ho's Island Grill) about doing a restaurant here and small "Baywatch' retail outlet," Hasselhoff said during his visit here this week.

"My people already have picked a possible 10 locations. I'm here to check them out."

One of the possible locations is Aloha Tower Marketplace, Hasselhoff said.

Gordon was not immediately available for comment.

The original idea came from Las Vegas-based real estate developer World Entertainment and was unveiled in January by Tony Cohen, co-chairman of North American Productions for Pearson.

The 20-year licensing deal will include a minimum of four restaurants in the United States. Each of the upscale restaurants will include a nightclub area and merchandise store, and feature a seafood menu and live music.

The venture plans to open Baywatch restaurants in Miami's South Beach, Las Vegas and New York.

Hasselhoff said he would appear and promote each grand opening.

"Baywatch Hawaii" is produced by the Baywatch Production Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the London-based media conglomerate Pearson Plc.