Former wrestler Hulk Hogan has come under fire over the last couple of days. Hogan licensed his name and likeness to a Tampa, Florida restaurant called Hogan's Beach. But he swears he knows nothing about the specifics of their operation, which includes a thinly veiled racist dress code policy. Hogan, who doesn't own or operate the eatery, still threatened to pull his support from them unless they changed the policy. TMZ, who broke the story, asked the question: "Whatcha gonna do, brother, when TMZ runs wild on you?!"
Hulk Hogan already had one failed business venture, the doomed Pastamania concept. That's probably why he doesn't own Hogan's Beach.
But he had to step in and do damage control when the news came out that Hogan's Beach had a strict dress code that looks like it aimed to keep out thuggish, ruggish black people.
The father of Hulkamania says he had no clue what was going on, but has put a stop to it (via TMZ):
"Hogan says the dress code was modeled after ones used at Las Vegas and Miami pool parties -- He says it was never meant to be racist, but understands some people take it that way ... so he 86'd it."
Apparently the staff was hip to the plan, though (via TMZ):
"We spoke with an employee at the restaurant, who said you can wear just about anything for lunch or dinner, but the dress code is strictly enforced during concert events. When we asked him about wearing oversized jewelry, he said, 'I don't want to sound stereotypical ...' and then he trailed off."
Hogan has to protect his brand better than that, brother. Maybe he should resurrect Pastamania. Gluten free, though. Gotta stick with the times.
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