BLACKFALDS — A drinking establishment that once drew the wrath of Hooters of America Inc. is becoming a sushi restaurant.
The former Jugs Junction, located in the Blackfalds Motor Inn, is expected to reopen this summer as Blackfalds Sushi and Teriyaki.
Jenny Lee, manager of the family-owned Blackfalds Motor Inn, said the restaurant will be licensed and have seating for about 86. A professional sushi chef is being brought in to prepare the food.
Many Blackfalds residents have not eaten sushi, acknowledged Lee, but she thinks there will be a local demand for the Japanese food, noting the success of the Sushi Maru Japanese Restaurant in Lacombe.
In 1997, the Blackfalds Motor Inn — then under different ownership — announced plans to open a lounge under the name Hooters. It backed down under the threat of a lawsuit, opting for Jugs Junction.
Jugs Junction closed nearly two years ago following a fire. Renovations were needed, so it seemed like a good opportunity to make major changes, said Lee.