Long Islanders, apparently, didn’t give much of a hoot about Hooters.

So says the Strix Restaurant Group, owners of the Long Island franchise based in Farmingdale, which has decided to do a major re-branding. Corporate Hooters, however, claims non-compliance. 

The restaurant in Farmingdale will be called Bud’s Ale House and the one in Islandia will be 58’s, since it’s off Exit 58 of the LIE. The Hooters in East Meadow has closed.

Strix chief executive Buddy De Marco said the reconceptualized restaurants will follow the model of the Bud’s Ale House already up and running in Astoria. The crew at both Long Island restaurants will remain in place, but instead of Hooters Girls, there will also be some new male servers. 

An extensive collection of more than 40 beers on tap will add to the appeal. The menu will feature wings, burgers made with freshly ground beef from a local butcher, signature hot dogs -- many ornately dressed -- made by butcher Karl Ehmer. Bread will be baked daily and delivered to the restaurant.

Also on the menu: salads and such entrees as steamer pots with seafood, roasted salmon with chorizo and spinach and stuffed pork chops. For desserts: deep fried Oreos. Prices will be moderate. 

Both restaurants will remain open during the changeover, expected to be completed next week. Full story.