Guys, this really might be it.

(Reuters)

There are lots of statistics you could break out to illustrate the growing power of women in the economy. But if numbers don't do it for you, then just look at what's going on at Hooters.

After five years of falling sales, the restaurant chain is trying to revamp its fortunes by easing up on its unreconstructed frat-boy image and appealing more to female customers, all without ditching the waitresses parading around in skimpy t-shirts and shorts. Sound like a tough sell? I think so.



But according to Bloomberg Businessweek, CEO Terry Marks believes that by tweaking the menu with more salads and fresher ingredients, lightening up the beach shack decor, and adding space for a bit of nightlife, the company can at least make its franchises an acceptable destination for more wives and girlfriends. As of now, about two-thirds of their patrons are guys.



"There's an opportunity to broaden the net without putting wool sweaters on the Hooters girls," Marks told the magazine. "Everything we do should appeal more to women, but nothing we will do will turn men off."

What to make of this? Bros aren't the reliable customers they once were, and that it would be a bit daft to keep catering almost exclusively to their tastes. "Face it, females are 51 percent of the population," says John Gordon, principal at Pacific Management Consulting Group, told the magazine. "They've enjoyed more employment growth, and you can't ignore them."