Hooters, the controversial restaurant that has drawn both big business and ire to State College, is expanding.

The restaurant chain, located at 538 E. College Ave., submitted development plans to the State College Design Review Board in mid-December, requesting an expansion to the building's 2,395-square-foot area.

Borough Planner Rochelle Paletta said owner Jeffery Haas' expansion project "fully complied with zoning requirements and was approved."

The floor plans call for the construction of an 845-square-foot permanent enclosure that would run adjacent to the restaurant's dining area. The canopied patio area on the west side of the restaurant is the focus of the new construction efforts.

"Hooters is basically taking an existing portion of their outdoor terrace and putting a roof over it," Paletta said. "I'd say about 65 percent (of the terrace) will be enclosed and 35 percent will remain outdoors."

In addition to the new dining area, the plans show Haas will create an outdoor bar with additional stools and tables.

Haas refused to comment on the project when reached at home.

"He doesn't take calls at home," said an unidentified woman who answered the phone.

When the expansion will be completed is unknown.

A lightning rod for controversy ever since its launch, the news of Hooters' expansion has brought about mixed reaction.

State College Borough Council member Tom Daubert found the project to be nothing out of the ordinary.

"I've seen the plans, and they look fine," he said. "We've had no trouble with the restaurant at all."

Daubert felt that the "majority of council members" agree with his sentiments.

But fellow council member Elizabeth Goreham was dismayed by the news of the extension.

"Hooters is an unfortunate example of exploitation, and it's aesthetically unpleasing," Goreham said. "It's just disappointing to me that Hooters is in the welcome vista of State College."

Alyssa Pinsker, president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, labeled the eating establishment an "embarrassment for people who are entering a prestigious university."

The timing of Haas' actions also intrigued Pinsker.

After initially scrapping plans to bring the restaurant chain into State College last February, Haas later changed his tactics and began renovations to the building in June for a late August opening, all while most Penn State students were away for summer break.

A large public outcry from several campus groups occurred soon after students returned to campus in the fall.

"I think it's more than a coincidence (that renovation plans were submitted while students were on winter break)," Pinsker said. "It's quite clever, actually. But that would be a compliment to him."