BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A national restaurant chain has spread its wings for the first time in Bakersfield.

Hooters has officially opened its doors to the public, two years later than planned.

Over the past months, the only sign that Hooters was coming to Bakersfield were a couple of billboards on Highway 99, but Monday night the restaurant opened its doors to the public.

This opening day was pretty typical at Hooters: thousands of chicken wings, long waits, lots of fun, and of course, its unique atmosphere.

It's been a long time coming for the infamous Hooters restaurant to finally land in Bakersfield.

Owner Teejay Scharf knows all about the waiting game and all the rumors passed through the grapevine about his restaurant over the past couple of years. Like: would it ever open, how would it mesh with the community?

Locals said, “Keep us fed, and never thirsty and you’ll become a staple.”